Recently I've been thinking about my policy regarding the retaking of tests and quizzes and I've decided to make a change. Effective January 5th, 2009, the new score resulting from the retaking of a test or quiz will replace the previous grade, even if it is lower than the original score. The reason for the change is that numerous students have been retaking tests, but actually doing worse on the second (and even third) try. The purpose of retaking tests is to encourage students to learn from their mistakes. Hopefully this change will motivate students to be more prepared prior to retaking a test. Students should see me if they have any questions.

For students who may have misplaced their protest song packets, here is a summary of the basics.

From the earliest days of the United States and even before, Americans have expressed their political views loudly and in no uncertain terms. One of the most powerful and effective forms of political expression is music. Songs arguing against a law or policy are called protest songs, or protest music. We are going to look at some examples of protest music from throughout American history, and then you are going to try your hand at writing a protest song of your own. The directions are simple. Write a protest song. Use either the American Revolution or a current event as your inspiration. One idea that might help is to write your lyrics to a tune you already know. Try writing your song to the tune of Yankee Doodle, for example. If you are really brave, you can earn some extra points by performing your song for the class or, if you are shy, you can play a recording of yourself singing your protest song.

Rubric:

This assignment is worth 50 huge points and applies to the Culture Standard.

A: Your song demonstrates effort, and accurately reflects either themes from the American Revolution or current events. It is neatly typed and free from spelling errors. Your song also makes sense and totally rocks. It's the kind of song someone of my limited taste would gladly put on an album. To earn the “A” you must perform or play a recording of your song for the class.

B/B+: Your song reflects effort. It may contain a minor factual error but it demonstrates your understanding of protest music. It is neatly typed and is basically free from spelling errors.

C/C+: You get the idea of protest music, but your song does not demonstrate effort and/or it may contain more than one factual error. It may have multiple spelling errors or obvious problems with rhyme or meter. Hey, I'm a Language Arts teacher, but I know problems when I hear them.

D: Your song is barely acceptable. You made one, but it does not reflect effort or a real understanding of what a protest song is supposed to be. There are multiple factual or spelling errors.

F: Give me a break. How can you mess this up? Write a song that protests something. The only way you can get this grade is if you don't do anything or if you didn't pay one second of attention in class.

Three Easy Steps for Writing a Protest Song

1. Choose a topic to write about. (The war, failing economy, the Stamp Act, etc.)
2. Write a simple poem about your topic. Follow the simple rules you have learned for rhyme and meter.
3. Use an instrument to create simple rhythmic sounds to accompany your lyrics.
4. Sing!

Three Even Easier Steps for Writing a Protest Song

1. Pick a topic.
2. Pick a song you like and are familiar with.
3. Replace that song's lyrics with your own lyrics about your topic.
4. Sing!