Taking It to the Net

1. The dramatic increase in the number of prescriptions for Ritalin due to the large increase the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD has sparked considerable controversy, particularly among parents. What are the pros and cons surrounding the use of Ritalin?

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/ritalin.htm

http://www.drkoop.com/news/focus/September/ritalin_yes.html

http://www.drkoop.com/news/focus/September/ritalin_no.html

2. Much has been made of means of altering curricula, lowering student/teacher ratios, and providing special programs for varying groups of students as means of enhancing the high school experience. As a future parent, what types of educational experiences and career planning opportunities would you want to see if you had a gifted child?

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/career_planning.html

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/challenging_gifted_kids.html

3. Some have argued that larger schools are better because they offer greater curricular and extracurricular opportunities to students. Others have noted that smaller schools provide a more personalized instructional atmosphere that benefits students. What are the major issues that a school board should address when considering concerns over school size?

http://eric.uoregon.edu/publications/digests/digest113.html

http://www.edweek.org/ew/vol-18/24rother.h18