Note: Watch the news clips under "Resources" below the questions.

1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) How many students are enrolled at Harrisburg High School?
b) How many students had too many unexcused absences?
c) What number of unexcused absences is too many in a marking period?
d) How many students served one-day suspensions on Tuesday?
e) Why didn’t the remainder of those who received notices serve suspension?

3. For what reasons did new principal Lisa Love, who was just hired in January, take this measure? (What did she say about it?) Be specific.

4. a) What did Principal Love say about students who are not in class?
b) Do you agree with her assertion? Explain your answer.

5. a) What did one parent whose daughter had excessive unexcused absences say about the one day suspension?
b) What do you think of this parent’s argument?

6. How does Principal Love hope to translate the large number of suspensions into something positive?

7. a) Define proficient.
b) What are the student proficiency levels at Harrisburg High compared to state levels?
c) What is the schools graduation rate compared to the statewide average? (How many students graduate in 4 years?)
d) The principal is addressing the problem of students cutting classes and hanging around in school without going to class. Do you agree with her approach to solving this widespread problem? Explain your answer. (Can you think of a better solution?) Explain your answer.