Opinion

Summer Class Vital for Students

In
By Richard Raya

Summer school: the somewhat enigmatic spillover of regular school into glorious, freedom-filled summer. Although annoying and time-consuming during a period when no one wants to think about school, summer school offers a potential lifeline to those who have received less than satisfactory grades and still wish to salvage their high school career.

Stay On Repeal of Unconstutional Prop 8 Pointless, Unfair

In
By Shannon Miller

Two years ago, Proposition 8 was passed in California, putting a ban on same-sex marriage in the state. However, many Californians were outraged by the result, and soon after it passed, two gay couples filed a federal lawsuit in a San Francisco court. Represented by prominent lawyers David Boies and Theodore B. Olsen, they claimed that Prop 8 impinged upon their constitutional rights. The judge who heard the case, Vaughn R. Walker, ruled in their favor, saying that it was, in fact, unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.

Teen Employment Highly Beneficial

In
By Richard Raya

As any well–to–do adult over forty will tell you, a good, young, enterprising teen needs a job. It’s vital. Once you get a job, you’re suddenly responsible. Credible. Vindicated. It’s your first step on the long road to adulthood.
But no one really wants a job, do they? Jobs are the main things that adults complain about. Coming home only to hear someone groaning, “The office sucked today!” doesn’t motivate a teenager to join the ranks of the workforce. Unfortunately, in most cases a job is necessary.

Domestic Violence Cuts

In
By Kassy Camacho

Domestic violence is defined as any act of violence or abuse against a person living in one’s household. Here in California, we’ve been known for being pioneers, in areas ranging from being “green” to innovation in sectors like biotechnology and other technological advancements. And yet, in a state so driven towards progress, domestic violence seems to be thriving. Since the 1970s the state government has been funding many programs to prevent domestic violence and help victims.

Oil Spill Lacked Vital Government Response

In
By Delia Salomon

The April 20 blowout at an offshore British Petroleum (BP) oil rig located in the Gulf of Mexico was nothing short of a disaster. A fire exploded on the rig, killing two people, collapsing the rig and causing it to bleed at the rate of 40,000 gallons a day. The scale of this spill quickly exceeded the amount that was leaked during the Exxon–Valdez disaster in 1989.

Arizona’s Unpopular Immigration Law Justified

In
By Abbey Chaver

The State of Arizona has passed and signed a bill that has attracted a huge amount of controversy. Those who are not drinking their Arizona teas (which, by the way, is based in New York) firmly believe that the law, which addresses immigration, is racist on the grounds that it allows for racial profiling. Supporters defend the law as merely enforcing laws that have already been passed federally. Laws can be easily misrepresented or portrayed inaccurately by either side. Some facts need to be clarified.

Criteria for New BHS Principal

In
By Izzy ben Izzy

Earlier this year, Berkeley High School principal Jim Slemp announced that he was retiring after seven years as head of BHS. Mr. Slemp is retiring because the job of being principal at BHS is extremely time consuming and he wants to spend more time with his family. Over the seven years that he was here he made many changes, including the start of small learning communities, which have had a positive effect on BHS. With principal Slemp leaving, it is now time to find a new principal—one who will stay, hopefully.

STAR Tests Not An Effective Measure of Skill

In
By Mariah Dawson

We have all experienced countless monotonous hours spent sitting in our desks with a Scantron in front of us waiting for the bell to ring. This boredom can only be associated with one kind of test: STAR tests. We, as students, have been told countless times about the importance of these tests. How they show our schools dedication to learning and teacher’s commitment to teaching. This is true, but how much can government officials really tell about a school from penciled-in bubbles?

Standardized Tests Saving the American Dream

In
By Jamie Dunkle

If we as a nation learned anything from World War II, it’s this: never let the Japanese outsmart you. And in the years since then, we’ve been doing a fine job of staying number one. Our system of standardized testing stands as a monument to American freedom and innovation. Using these tests, we are able to hold our public schools to the highest standards.

Allow All Into Honors Math

In
By Izzy ben Izzy

Unlike Advanced Placement classes, students must take a test if they want to get into the honors math system. Once they test in, they cannot be kicked out unless they get worse than a B in the class. This year, many students were angered that they didn’t make it into the system, and that their current class is excruciatingly easy for them. Only a few students managed to make it into the honors program for next year, after intensive studying to pass the placement test.

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