[From Rick Marken (01.01.25.0820)]
I found this letter to the editor in the LA Times the
other day. I thought it could be used as part of Stefan's
proposed PCT exam. Here is the letter followed by five
possible test questions. I think it's possible to answer
all five questions based on PCT and a reading of just the
letter (I myself did not read the article to which the
letter is a reply).
My hat goes off to Ricky Wright, the principal of Palm
Springs High School. The students who were punished had
a choice--either tell who scribbled the racist slurs or
suffer the consequences of not going through graduation.
If they chose to be influenced by their peers and kept
silent about their "senior prank," then I say suffer the
consequences. If they had chosen to speak out, then they
could have walked up to receive their diplomas. In this
instance, silence isn't golden. Maybe they will learn
that there is a consequence to their inaction as well
as the action they took with the white paint.
1. Did the students who did not tell who scribbled racist
slurs choose not to go through the graduation? Explain.
2. Describe two results (consequences) that the students
who were punished almost certainly _did_ chose. Explain.
3. According to the letter writer, who is responsible for
the consequences experienced by the students?
4. Who is actually responsible for the consequences
experienced by the students (may be the same as the
answer to question 3). Explain.
5. According to the letter writer, how do you teach students
to behave properly?
Whaddaya think?
Best regards
Rick
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Richard S. Marken Phone or Fax: 310 474-0313
MindReadings.com mailto: marken@mindreadings.com
www.mindreadings.com