grading

By the process of elimination, the leges are awarded an overall grade of “D” for the 2009 Regular Session.

The leges don’t deserve a “C” because it was a less than average session.

They don’t deserve an “F” is because they didn’t do any major damage or at least not that has been uncovered thus far.

SPECIFIC AREAS OF EVALUATION

Attentiveness: “U” (Unsatisfactory)

The leges paid little attention to their constituents for whom they were attending classes.

The House at least twice during major assignments (HBs 841 and 834 ), simply slept through the entire thing.

Civic Endeavors: “U”

The leges spent millions of dollars on museums and conventions centers all over the state, but reduced funding to attract tourists to the state.

Completion of Assignments: “I” (Incomplete).

Left to be completed are major assignments on healthcare reform, tax reform, spending reform, insurance reform and higher education reform.

Conduct: “U”

The leges cannot seem to sit still. They are constantly out of their desks walking around and talking with their classmates while others are addressing the class.

The Senate started a “got-you-last” game over the State Budget (HB 1). It was a bit juvenile for their age group.

Extracurricular Activities: “S” (Satisfactory).

The leges are very sociable. However, if classes run late around meal times they sometimes become irritable. Most forget to bring their lunch money and must rely on others, usually lobbyists, for their meals. The leges manage to get an increase in what lobbyists could give them for their lunch money.

Honesty: “U”

The leges failed to completely explain the assignments to their classmates.

They answered questions for their tardy or truant classmates though it is against the rules.

The House was caught constantly changing their answers (votes) on their finals. Principal Jindal promised to stop this practice, but failed to write the rules correctly. Thus, there is no legal basis to kick them out of school.

Knowledge of Subject Matters: “U”

The leges lack a fundamental understanding of economics. They think that tax breaks for a few is good, but tax breaks for all is bad.

The leges lack bookkeeping skills. They believe that more spending rather than cutting costs is the way to higher profits.

Remediation would be suggested, but the leges show little interest in learning. They believe they already know everything.

Physical Education: “U”

The leges funded a failing professional golf course, but eliminated golf teams at various colleges. They funded more tennis courts, but eliminated college tennis teams.

When the leges can’t get the basketball into the net, they lower the net.

Reading Comprehension: “U”

The leges’ transcripts indicate that they should be able to read at grade level. However, they failed to demonstrate significant reading ability or reading comprehension.

Work Habits: “U”

The leges showed little ability to work independently. They had to ask Principal Jindal or one of the assistant principals before initiating actions.

The leges put important assignments off until the last minute instead of focusing on getting their work done and going home early for the semester.

They lacked a sense of priorities. They spent more time at recess than in the class.

PROMOTION

The leges don’t deserve to be promoted because their efforts failed to meet the minimum standard of “approaching basic” in addressing the major problems facing the people of Louisiana.

It’s now obvious why the leges were so determined to give “alternative” diplomas to those who were unable to satisfactorily complete the course work for a regular diploma. That may be the only way that the leges will get to the next grade.

School starts again next March. Before that time, it is suggested that the leges get some tutoring. Sylvan Learning Center comes well-recommended.

C.B.