April-May 2010
MyAnalysis, Content Feeds (RSS) + Health Care Reform Activity
Happy Spring from ProQuest and SIRS! We hope you enjoyed your February issue of our full SIRS enewsletter, which contains hands-on information about our SIRS Language Translator, Text to Speech, and MP3 Read Aloud features.
This month's smaller update email newsletter is designed to be a quick read, filled with short bits of information to fill you in on what's new with a minimum of clutter.
As always, don't miss our full set of support resources for your online research tools at proquestk12.com, free training webinars (calendar), lesson-rich newsletters, videos, and more.
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SIRS Issues Researcher:
Research Guide | MyAnalysis
Are your students challenged by the research process? Do you need ready-made resources to address information literacy standards?
MyAnalysis, SIRS Issues Researcher's latest interactive research guide, walks researchers through six stages of information literacy. This six-step approach can be used independently by students or as a teaching tool by educators.
Research tools for students, including printable worksheets with key questions and research tips, guide students to think critically through each stage of the research process. Links to iTHINK Skills Tutor, Debate Guide and Creating PowerPoint Presentations complete this research solution.
SIRS Issues Researcher's MyAnalysis saves you time on lesson planning, since is one-stop shopping for any topic-based assignment. When you need credible sources, contextual framework and the research tools to pull it all together, start here.
Access MyAnalysis by clicking on Research Guides in any Leading Issue.To see this new guide in action, view a short segment of our new SIRS training video by clicking here.
SIRS Issues Researcher:
Full Training Video | 2010 Update
Our all-new SIRS Issues Researcher training video takes you in-depth into your subscription, helping educators, students, and parents get the most out of your subscription. Best of all, this handy training resource is available from any Internet-connected computer.
Start here to get trained, and use the handy menu below the player window to navigate to the feature or tool you want to explore.
SIRS Knowledge Source:
RSS Feeds | Latest Articles & Easy Sign-Up
Subscribe to RSS Feeds of SIRS 300+ Leading Issues, Top 10 Leading Issues and SIRS Latest Articles. SIRS RSS Feeds ensure only relevant, issues-based articles will be delived your email boxes, newsreaders, or webpage.
New! Access links by clicking RSS feeds at the bottom of any SKS page.
SIRS Discoverer Highlights:
Current Events, Political Cartoons, Charts & More
Every day, our SIRS editorial team updates our SIRS online research tools with new articles and resources.
Below is a short list of the timeliest and most topical content added to your product in recent weeks.
- Toyota Technician Repairing Gas Pedal
- Members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots
- Ancient Fortifications in Jerusalem
Hands-on Research Activities—Spotlights & Challenge Quests
National Poetry Month, by honoring all aspects of poetic activity, aspires to generate interest in and excitement about poetry and all of its traditions and forms.
SIRS Knowledge Source commemorates notable poets from all corners of the world with a wealth of articles and Web sites in this month's Spotlight of the Month.
In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 2, which bans farmers from confining calves, pregnant pigs, and egg-laying hens in tiny cages.
SIRS asks: By what year must California farmers comply with Proposition 2?
Each month, our SIRS team scours the Internet for top-quality websites for classrooms and libraries. Dive into this month's selections: Earth Day, Poetry, Holocaust Survivors.
SIRS Integration Idea
Health Care Reform Law
Learning Activity: Essential Question Should there be more government involvement in health care in the U.S.?President Obama signed the passage of health care reform legislation on March 23. He said it sets in motion "desperately needed reforms" sought by generations of Americans. The $938 billion health care reform law expands coverage to 32 million Americans.
House Democrats hailed the bill's passage as a historic victory in the health care-reform battle. Republicans, however, voted unanimously against it, citing concerns of a "government takeover" of America's health care system as well as uncertainty that it would hurt jobs, raise taxes on small businesses, and cut Medicare benefits for seniors.
But proponents of health care reform are optimistic about the new bill as new consumer protections are expected to be put in place along with guaranteed access to health insurance. The Congressional Budget Office also predicted that the new law would help to reduce the deficit over time and also reduce the premiums that most consumers would pay for health insurance.
Most of the law's effect will come in 2014 with only minor changes being implemented in the first four years. It was designed that way so that the various "exchanges" required by state and Federal authorities will have time for creation, funding and implementation.
In 2014, states are required to have insurance marketplaces where citizens could shop for various health care insurance options. In order to facilitate the requirement for obtaining coverage, the government will offer subsidies with the purpose that everyone is afforded coverage.
Also in 2014, employers that do not offer coverage to employees will be subject to fines and all citizens will be required by law to have health care coverage -- either through their employers or by individual policy purchases -- or they too will face penalties. According to provisions in the bill, the cost of the reform legislation would come in the form of reduced spending on Medicare, new taxes and a levy on high-priced insurance policies.
Ask students to critique the provisions of the health care reform law. Students should write a report of at least 200 words (or a presentation of at least seven slides) that cites at least three resources. Students should address the following essential questions for critical thinking in their reports (you can add or substitute others):
- What are at least three facts that supported the need for health care reform?
- In your opinion, what are the four most important reforms in this law and why?
- Which provisions of the law don't you like and why?
- Would you have voted for the final House bill—why or why not?
- What fixes would you vote for in the Senate reconciliation to improve the law?
Pathfinder
Access information on this topic using one of the following methods:
- Type "Health Care Reform" in the Search box
- Click on Leading Issue "Health Care Reform"
- Quick Search box > Select Keyword and Date options > Uncheck all sources in SEARCH IN options
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