New research has discovered that having a last name with a letter in the alphabet such as Williams, or Zimmers could result in lower grades. Conversely having a last name that starts with A or B like Anderson or Clark could give you better grades. According to a study published by the University of Michigan, this phenomenon is caused by teachers grading students by alphabetical order. Researchers analyzed more than 30 million grading records from the University, which uses Canvas, and found that teachers were biased when grading students with lower last names. Students who were graded first received an average of 0.3 points out of 100 possible points. However, students at the end of the alphabet receive 0.3 lower points than average. They also found that lower-alphabet students receive more negative feedback and receive lower-quality grading. This could be due to the fatigue teachers experience after grading 30 other students' essays before they come to the last student, tired and exhausted after correcting hundreds of spelling mistakes. Teacher’s grading will get more sloppy and rushed as they want to be done already. They lose attention and cognitive abilities as they reach the end of the alphabet. Teachers also start grading essays on a curve, comparing your essay to the best essays of the last 30 students. This would indefinitely result in a more harsh grading. This experience is amplified for students who are graded after a student whose work is fabulous. So the next time your parents complain about your grades, you can blame it on them for giving you a bad last name.
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“It's been a year and 4 months we've been working on these goals and I think that says a lot. Not that we are being indecisive but that we are being intentional,” says Chair Whitebear at the Corvallis School Board Meeting on April 11th.
Despite massive budget deficits, teacher walkouts, student enrollment decline, and many other district issues, the Corvallis community can breathe a sigh of relief as all of our problems are solved with the passing of CSD Board Goals. The Board spent the April 11th meeting debating between minor grammar changes and which change would be more equitable. I would like to include that it was the placement of commas that caused so much deliberation. I sifted through the board goals and there was no mention of communication. Communication was the number one district flaw identified by staff, families, and the community during the community surveys administered by the district in 2022. In the recent budget message sent by Superintendent Ryan Noss to district families, he stated that feedback was welcome at board meetings. Essentially, Mr Noss is asking families, staff, and students to get in front of a board of elected officials while being streamed online in order to provide input. This effectively blocks many people from providing input on decisions. At the last Board meeting, Director Sarah Finger-McDonald asked how student voices were being taken into consideration. Mr Noss replied that they had the opportunity to share which electives were most important to them. There was no sight of that opportunity at Crescent Valley. He then said that they were primarily focused on staff feedback. In a follow-up question by Director Chris Hawkins, she asked how staff were giving feedback. “We are still working on that,” replied Noss. Readers, this is a platitude. The objective is to espouse effective communication while doing none of the work. Why is this? After trying to see all sides of this issue, the most viable reason for not wanting communication is because it is more work. The district seeks out communication when it fits its plan. When it doesn't, they leave you to speak to the School Board AFTER the decisions have been made. If you end up going to the board and providing input, the only questions yielded to you are soliloquies given by board members asking for specific policies you would like to see. This is a barrier to entry. Not every person bringing forth an issue is ready and able to create a policy to address it, that is what we elected the board to do! The district has a communication issue, often with its own school board. I was disappointed to not see this in the board goals or any recent communication initiatives on major policy. It's time to get back on track with the mindset of students, certified and classified staff, and the community. In the fall of 2018, the Raider Success class was first introduced to the Corvallis school district. And now it is going away, hopefully for good. But why? Why did this class, which is disliked by many, come into being? And why is it disappearing now, freeing next year’s freshman? I posed these questions, and many more, to our principal, Mr. McKee.
First, we have to look at how this class came into being. Raider Success was conceptualized as a half health, half elective class that would guide incoming freshmen through the start of high school. When the school district made the switch from seven periods to eight, Advisor was lost, and replaced with Raider Success. Over time Raider Success became less like Advisor and more like a health class, with most of the learning time spent on health-related topics instead of good study habits. Last year the school district made the switch back to seven periods and reinstated Advisor. Now Raider Success feels a bit redundant with Advisor back in play. So, you may ask, will we be having Raider Success in years to come? The answer to that would be no. This health/elective class is not needed anymore-–many students and the school district feel the same way. So how does this affect students? Well, this may not affect any of us who have already taken or are taking Raider Success currently, but it will affect future high schoolers. It will free up another half elective credit that was being taken up by Raiders Success, a required class, giving freshmen more freedom with their high school choices. Advisor will be doing its part, by teaching study skills and coaching students through the struggles of high school. Incoming high schoolers will be better off for these changes because they still get the support they need and they receive more choice in electives. At recent budget and school board meetings, declining enrollment has been blamed on one factor: declining birth rate. While this may be contributing to fewer students entering Corvallis schools, it completely glances over startling trends seen in district enrollment since 2014. Before we dive into those trends, let's look at enrollment as a whole. Pictured is a graph of district enrollment since the 2018/19 school year. While it may not look startling, this is a 19.2% enrollment decrease in only 9 years. The birth rate decline does not fully account for this decrease. In 2013-2014 private school enrollment of students in the 509j boundaries was 10.1 percent. In 2023-2024 it is 15.5%. Additionally, charter school enrollment has increased by 13.3% since 2013-2014 for in-district charter schools and has increased by 32% for out-of-district and virtual charter schools. This information is according to 509j archives accessed on Boardbook (the school board’s archive). Is this an issue the superintendent can blame on declining birth rates? Private School enrollment (percentage of students in the 509j Boundaries So the key question is why are parents choosing to move their children to private schools?
Karen Remedios is a mother in the district who made that decision. Remedios said she moved both her sons from Bessie Coleman Elementary to the Ashbrook Independent School, a private school in Corvallis. The district's math shift was a driving reason for the decision, along with differences over extracurricular offerings, she said. Remedios said she wanted to keep her children on an advanced track. Her husband, Arun Natarajan, said it was a difficult decision to move to a private school, and he's sensitive to equity concerns. But he also feels the Corvallis School District's policies are creating a worse environment for students, particularly for students who don't feel challenged in a math class that's below their knowledge and skill level. (This testimony was provided by the Crescent Crier’s Gazette-Times Contact: Hans Boyle) While Karen Remedios cannot speak for everyone moving their children to private schools, she speaks for many. Standardization of Math in the elementary and middle schools as well as a flawed behavior policy (or lack thereof) have prompted higher-income families to choose in-person private, virtual education, and homeschooling as an alternative to the Corvallis School District. In closing, the district seems to be ignoring a core reason why enrollment is declining. Until the district can assess the reasons for increasing private school enrollment and bring the full scope of the issue into its thought process, it is doubtful that enrollment will see an uptick. Up and down
The sun comes out Suddenly it all seems less quaint Much more to explore Incandescent Here to stay Coming and going Up and down My mind going to and fro Beams of light kiss my skin I am engulfed This salubrious moment Continuing Beyond hardship Moving forward Even if thoughts are backwards Feelings are surely stature Flowing with the breeze Greenery soothes my mind And it’s all okay again, Momentarily, Forever. Student Council Notes: Balancing Funds and Community Spirit
At the November Student Council meeting, Casa Musica secured $200 for an accompanist, while Robotics, aiming for $500, had their motion tabled due to budget constraints. In other updates, winter events, like the December pep assembly, will focus on community building, featuring engaging activities and rising participation in the talent show auditions. Efforts to boost meeting attendance were discussed, including roll call voting, while upcoming events like the Secret Snowman gift exchange and the successful Senior Flag Football reflected the school's vibrant spirit. The Student Council remains committed to supporting diverse student interests while fostering a unified school community, a sentiment echoed in their dedication and collaborative approach in these meetings. About the RaceThere is less than one year to go before the 2024 Presidential Election. Some argue that it could be the most influential election of the century. The winner will have the power to change America’s future. The two big parties, the Republicans and Democrats, have already started turning the gears of the campaigning process. Current President Joe Biden looks like the most likely Democratic Nominee. But on the right side, a fray of candidates have thrown themselves into the GOP primary race, hoping to win the hearts and minds of voters. This is important, as only 40% of Americans approve of Biden’s presidency. This gives a republican candidate a chance to take back the white house. But it is not an easy process. The Republican party has to choose one individual, to represent and lead their party into what could be the most tumultuous election ever. As voting for these candidates begins in some states, let’s look at the top candidates and where they stand.
Donald TrumpHe may easily be one of the most famous people alive in the US today. His potential involvement in the historic January 6th Riot and having 4 separate indictments, which no past president has ever had, has vaulted him to the top of American political coverage. But despite this, it hasn’t stopped republican voters from backing the former president, who promises to “Make America Great Again.” His base extends far and deep into the Republican bloc, as more than half of the Republican base supports him. His goal: is to lead our country back to Safety, Prosperity, and Peace. Trump’s extremist views on key republican issues have many Democrats worried. His loud rhetoric on “Crooked Joe Biden” has had many Republicans cheering his name. Trump’s stronghold on the republican party has never been more powerful, with even some people claiming that they’d sacrifice their lives for Trump. But not all Republicans like Trump. There’s a small group of Republicans that could manage to strip the former president of his power and glory. Nikki HaleyBesides Trump, Nikki Haley is the only other candidate who has seen a boost in support. Nikki Haley has proven herself to be a formidable adversary and a strong leader. An Indian American and the only woman in the primary field, she has set herself apart from other candidates. But only polling around 15%, she has a long way to go to overtake Donald Trump. But her support is growing and gaining momentum. With solid debate performances under her belt, many Republicans have been expressing interest in her campaign. Her past experiences in the UN have given her a strong background in dealing with foreign affairs and her unique stance on abortion has appealed to many voters who don’t want Trump. Despite being behind the front-runner, Trump, she has refrained from directly criticizing him. Her background has appealed to many voters, especially women. Ron DesantisOnce thought to be a potential challenger to Trump, Ron Desantis is slowly falling into the shadows. The Florida Governor has been trying to sell himself as a more modern version of Trump without the Trump drama. Unfortunately, his campaign has had a few stumbles as it tries to sway voters back to him. While his landslide win in the 2022 Florida governor’s race showed that he could get the job done, the chances of winning the nomination seem to be diminishing. Donors have been turning towards Nikki Haley. In his time as governor, he has signed controversial bills involving people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Desantis has been part of Trump’s jokes, such as Trump referring to him as “Desanctimonius”. But Desantis could win if he can break the barrier between him and the voters. Vivek Ramaswamy And there’s Vivek, the newcomer to the political world. Like Trump in 2016, Vivek hasn’t held a political office before his candidacy. Out of the candidates, Vivek is the youngest. He claims that he is the next generation of leaders. He’s running with an anti-woke focus and has advocated for more radical measures. Other candidates have shown their disapproval of the 38-year-old, with Haley being the most vocal. His cocky attitude has drawn voters in but has also caused some to leave. His policies mirror Trump and have even praised the former president. As president, he has promised to eradicate several federal agencies, including the Department of Education, build a wall on the US borders of Mexico and Canada, and end Ukrainian support. He also claims that the climate agenda is a hoax and it is the biggest threat to our country. On December 8th and 9th, our city has its very own community Nutcracker performance! The ballet The Nutcracker follows a young girl, Clara, who gets a Nutcracker for Christmas and embarks on an epic trip to the Land of Sweets. A few CV Raiders are in it as well, including Nicole Emry, Laurel Muhly, Clara Roberts, Lucy Van Tress, William Van Tress, Linnea Miller, Kate Hendricks, Cordelia Pryor, Sophia Neff, Isabelle Lei, and Brielle Barlow. This year’s performance is around the 30th anniversary of the Regional School of Ballet’s original performance of the Nutcracker! The origins of The Nutcracker date back to its premier in St. Petersburg in 1892. Czar Alexander III requested it to be performed and choreographed by Marius Pepita and Lev Ivanov. The story of the Nutcracker came from Alexandre Dumas’ interpretation of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffman. Piotr Tchaikovsky designed the music for this performance and it can often be heard on radio stations in the winter, in movies, and even in video games!
“We are the Baker Street Irregulars, and the game is always afoot!”
The words echoed from the stage and seemed to linger even after the cast had taken their bows and the audience had returned to the monotony of daily life. For the students, parents, staff, and wider Corvallis community, Sherlock Holmes: the Baker Street Irregulars certainly left an impression, showcasing not only a whimsical story of adventure and found family but also the capabilities of the talented cast and crew. The play followed Wiggins, an inquisitive street urchin, and his band of London outcasts following the disappearance of Sherlock Holmes. The group quickly found themselves embroiled in all manner of adventures from the mysterious disappearance of one Richard Mayhew, to an exciting chase through a train, to a climactic battle atop a roaring waterfall. Watching this show showed me what CV (and CHS) are capable of theatrically. Not only were the cast enthusiastic and talented, but several scene changes and special effects made it clear that the crew knew what they were doing. Overall, congratulations to all those involved in Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars for leaving everything on that stage and proving that for us Raiders, the game is always af It is impossible to ignore the energy surrounding the winter holidays. Homes and businesses are covered in bright lights, the radio playing holiday songs, and an increased emphasis on giving. Wintertime is often the time of year when many charitable organizations reach out to possible donors who wish to be a part of the season of giving. Many of these organizations rely on December donations to operate for the rest of the year. Those looking to donate should be careful though, and make sure that the charity they wish to support matches their values and is using donations responsibly.
There are many ways to check whether or not a charity is trustworthy before you hit that donate button. The first way is to look at the website of the charity you wish to donate to. Look up the charity in a browser, and be careful not to follow links emailed to you if you do not recognize the charity. Many legitimate charities use calls and emails as a way to reach out to potential donors, but they will always be easy to find by searching for the charity on the internet, and they will still be there even after you hang up. Usually, the ‘about us’ page on the charity’s website will provide information about when the charity was founded, what its goals and values are, and their impact on the people they are trying to help. You can also check for blog postings on their website detailing recent actions by the charity. If anything seems off or you're not sure about the charity’s impact, it might be a good idea to check a charity review website or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization database. Several organizations keep track of charitable organizations and some even provide reviews of the charity. There are several local charities to consider if you want to donate something with a more localized impact. If you are interested in local wildlife and community education, consider donating to the Chintimini Wildlife Center. If you want to support those in poverty in a way specific to the season, look for a Vina Moses Center Giving Tree (like the one in the Senior hallway!), where you can donate Christmas gifts for families in need. If you would like to donate to support refugees in our community, consider checking out Corvallis for Refugees! There are so many ways to help people in need this holiday season, as long as you pay attention to who you are donating to. Give wisely! |
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