September 28, 2011

wednesday

September 28, 2011

Vol. 94 • No. 17

www.therambler.org

New Girl sparks 30 minutes of laughter on Tuesdays.

The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917

Blu Cru rallies to support Lady Rams and other athletes.

Campus Feature, page 5

Arts & Entertainment, page 4

Students warned about digital piracy Alejandra Garcia

agarcia@mail.txwes.edu

Students may have noticed a recent email, sent out by staff in the Office of Communications, disclosing information about digital piracy.

The email, titled Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Notice, informs students what digital piracy consists of, legal alternatives to acquiring copyrighted materials and the penalties for violating federal copyright laws.

The email describes digital piracy as copying electronic music, video and books without permission of the owner or legal authority.

Chuck Burton, assistant vice president for marketing and communications, distributed the email.

Burton said everyone at Wesleyan, students, staff and faculty, received a copy of the email.

Burton said the email is sent out every semester to make sure anyone new to Wesleyan knows the policy.

“Our duty is to inform all of the Wesleyan community of what you can and can’t download,” Burton said.

He said the reason they began sending out emails is not because there is a problem with illegal downloading at Wesleyan, but just a preventative measure.

Burton said digital piracy is like any other United States law.

“Ethically, it’s wrong,” Burton said.

“It’s United States law and we don’t want anyone breaking the law while they’re at Wesleyan or at home.”

According to the email, the Higher Education Opportunity Act requires educational institutions to prevent distribution of copyrighted materials by users of their networks.

Neal Cornett, digital content manager at Wesleyan, said it is very easy for students to be tempted to download off a campus network believing they will not get caught.

However, Cornett said it is very easy to trace.

“All it takes is one system tracking that,” Cornett said. “Trust me, it is just too easy to track.”

Cornett said digital piracy may seem like a victimless crime, but, those who put the work into making the material, such as record labels or

software manufacturers, lose part of their compensation.

Cornett said at the moment, digital piracy is not a problem at Wesleyan.

Michael Duncan, junior business administration major, said he thinks

it is important for schools to educate students about digital piracy.

Duncan said it is unfair to the makers of the material and no one should be doing it.

“It’s the same as stealing,” Duncan said.

Grammer visits 19th century history Ghana born students

both choose Wesleyan

Shauna Banks

Emma Fradette

sbbanks@mail.txwes.edu

With a 4 a.m. wake-up call and house full of furry children, there is never a dull moment in Dr. Timothy Grammer’s day.

A professor in the history department at Texas Wesleyan from rural Illinois, Grammar teaches several classes, focusing on world history. He came to Wesleyan as an adjunct professor in 2003 and became a full-time professor in 2009.

Grammer released a book through the Edwin Mellen Press this past August, The Myth of Gentleman Heroes in the 19th Century: The Duke of Wellington and General Robert E. Lee, for sale on amazon.com. The book is a historical monograph that looks at the human urge to raise up heroes and villains.

Before coming to Wesleyan, Grammer was an adjunct at Richland College and the University of Texas at Arlington.

He received his bachelors in European history and doctorate in history in Meisa Keivani Najafabadi | Rambler Staff 2002 from UTA. Grammer finished his bachelor’s at Western Illinois Uni- Dr. Timothy Grammer, a professor in the history department at Texas Wesleyan. versity in law enforcement administration in 1979.

Grammer said. “When I did my intern“Military service—some parts you After receiving his bachelor’s, Gram- ship in a sheriff ’s office in rural Missis- love so much that you never want mer decided against going into law en- sippi, I was further shocked. There was to leave it. Other parts, you hate it so forcement after witnessing unsettling no way I would want to deal with that much that if you could possibly leave practices in a small town police depart- or be that or deal with those things.” immediately, you would,” Grammer ment.

Before furthering his education after said. “But in general it was a really posi“When I was an undergraduate in his bachelor’s degree, Grammer went tive experience.” those classes, I was kind of shocked into the Army as an infantry officer for  GRAMMER, page 3 by the attitudes of my fellow students,” eight years.

ekfradette@mail.txwes.edu

The same goals and aspirations brought two international students together at Texas Wesleyan.

Both from Ghana, Africa, senior business administration major Chris Angsomwine and Ebenezer Rhabbles, freshman computer science major, attended the same high school, Mfantsipim High School. Both came to Wesleyan but did not know they had chosen the same university in the U.S. “The high school was a

boarding school,” Angsomwine said. “We did not go home unless there was some type of break.”

Angsomwine said uniforms consisting of khaki shorts and orange shirts were worn at the high school he and Rhabbles attended. English was the primary language spoken and they lived in dorms on campus there.

“Every day was fun to me,” Angsomwine said. “I hung out with friends, talked, had variety nights and film

 GHANA, page 3

wordpress.com | Courtesy

Stop in at the Morton Fitness Center to sign up for group fitness classes! For more information, call 817-531-7589.

Opinion TEA increases teacher accountability 2

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The Rambler | www.therambler.org

Seotember 28, 2011

will only be implemented this year for students graduating in Shauna Banks 2015 or beyond and the stress Editor-in-chief level for high school teachers sbbanks@mail.txwes.edu is not at an almost unbearable high like those of elementary and middle school teachers.

However, next year, incoming high school students will Holy standardized testing, Bat- definitely be feeling the effects of man! As if children in today’s edu- STAAR. Instead of taking comcational system didn’t already have prehensive type tests in basic core a laundry list of reasons to hate subjects, such as math and scischool—that list just got a little bit ence—high school students will be longer. expected to take 12 end of course Starting this academic year, stu- tests throughout their four years dents are being introduced to the new before graduation—with a much State of Texas Assessment of Academ- higher accountability factor than ic Readiness standardized test. before.

Not only will this new assessment Since these tests will be focused be more rigorous than the previous on specific subjects like Geometry, Texas Assessment of Knowledge and physics and chemistry, teachers will Skills, but with the different format, also be held more accountable to it seems to hold teachers more ac- teaching specific subjects. countable as well.

There is also what seems to be an With three Polytechnic Heights almost punishment for students in schools having just been rated un- high school who are in the graduaacceptable by the Texas Education tion plans above minimum requireAgency, things are definitely getting ments, including recommended tense in the community surround- and distinguished. High school stuing Wesleyan. dents on a recommended or distinOn the high school level, STAAR guished graduation plan will be re-

quired to meet a higher score than students on the minimum graduation plan to pass all parts of STAAR. For students in third through eighth grades, STAAR will have a huge impact on how they are taught every day in the classroom. The changes in testing are the most unfortunate for Rachel Peel | Rambler Staff students who already had Beginning in the spring, students in grades 3-9 in the public school system will take the State of Texas trouble pass- Assessment of Academic Readiness standardized test or series of tests depending on grade level. ing the TAKS test in the past. They will be ex- pend on a single test for each sub- the class they are teaching without pected to pass a series of tests that ject. having to worry about teaching just are even harder than what they have I also do not think the solution to the things their students need to pass already struggled to pass, so it could low scores on TAKS in the past is to these standardized tests. end up discouraging many of them. administer a harder test.

It is not only a setback for stuWhile I believe there should be Instead of putting so much focus dents, but also for teachers—whose standardized testing, I do not think on single tests, the teacher should be sole purpose is to educate their stua student graduating should de- able to get into the actual content of dents—not “teach to the test.”

STAAR test poses positive challenges for students and smart boards.

The reason I say this is because when I arrived at Texas rpeel@mail.txwes.edu Wesleyan I was unprepared to take college-level exams.

At Tarrant County College a student has a choice to take the Accuplacer-which is a Many teachers and parents have placement test or the THEA voiced negative concerns about the (Texas Higher Education AssessState of Texas Assessments of Aca- ment) which was said to be more demic Readiness (STAAR) test that difficult. will replace the Texas Assessment of It took me three years to prepare, Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test mainly for the math portion, of the this school year.

THEA and this was a problem for I on the other hand think this was me. Not only did I feel unintelligent a step in the right direction to pre- because I was weak in Algebra, but pare our children for college-level it also made me apprehensive about exams and the world beyond desks becoming a teacher. Teachers are Rachel Peel Community Editor

Letter to the editor RE: “Perry Leaves Bad Taste in Voters’ Mouths”, Aug. 31 edition After reading the article “Perry Leaves Bad Taste In Voters’ Mouths” in the Aug. 31 edition of the Rambler, I was astonished by what I had read.

Therefore, in good conscious, I could not let such a view point go unopposed.

I too was not genuinely pleased with the school budget cuts passed by the Texas legislature. You must remember however that the House of Representatives formulates the budget … not the Governor. Priority must be given

to essential programs for public health and safety. In the current political atmosphere the raising of taxes is not an option in closing the gaps either.

Not all schools felt the sting of budget cuts. Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD took a proactive approach and exercised fiscal responsibility, a term that is inconceivable to some, and because of their foresight HEB ISD did not suffer any significant losses. With schools spending money on programs with no educational significance, inflated administrator salaries and Dallas ISD committing “accounting errors” that totaled in the tens of millions leaves a person wondering what is really going.

What does the child obesity rate

The Rambler Shauna Banks, editor-in-chief Eliana Mijangos, sports editor Rachel Peel, community editor Jordan Twine arts & entertainment editor Alejandra Garcia campus feature editor Jonathan Resendez, multimedia editor Meisa Keivani Najafabadi, photo editor Erica Estrada, cartoonist Wendy Moore, faculty adviser Dr. Kay Colley, faculty liaison Frederick Slabach, publisher

supposed to educate our future leaders, and sadly they do not always teach what is necessary for college entrance exams.

According to the TEA website, the STAAR test will be more rigorous as it is aligned to college and Career Readiness Standards as well as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

The majority of the new STAAR assessments will test content students studied the same year, as opposed to testing content studied over multiple years.

I feel this is a good thing, especially for advanced placement and gifted and talented students. Many of these students get lost in the crowd be-

cause many teachers are so worried about the low-functioning students and having to catch them up on everything they have struggled with since an early age.

Since the STAAR test is centered more on what children learn over one year rather than over a number of years, this might take some pressure off of the teachers.

Many employers complain that recent graduates both at the high school and college level are lacking more and more in writing and math skills. In January of 2006 an article published by USA Today said more than 50 percent of students at fouryear colleges and more than 75 percent at two-year colleges lacked the

skills to perform complex literacy tasks.

The areas lacking are in literacy: analyzing news stories and other prose, understanding documents and having math skills needed for checkbooks or restaurant tips. The survey examined college and university students nearing the end of their degree programs. The students did the worst on matters involving math, according to the study.

Almost 20 percent of students pursuing four-year degrees had only basic quantitative skills. For example, the students could not estimate if their car had enough gas to get to the service station. About 30 percent of two-year students had only basic math skills.

have to do with being a governor? I thought Michelle Obama with her letsmove.gov program and the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services was tackling that problem. A governor does not have time to monitor the eating habits of children. This situation falls squarely on the shoulders of the parents and the parents only.

The most recent data published in 2009 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) cited that teen pregnancy rates have actually declined nationwide overall. But to rationalize the Texas rate let me quote the CDCP report: “nationally, birth rates are significantly higher for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black teen-

agers than for non-Hispanic white teenagers.” The report also found that Texas ranks at the lower end of the top 50 percent of the states in regard to STD rates, and therefore the situation is not as dire as Ms. Mijangos suggests. Sexual activity is a personal responsibility and not the Governors’.

From 2006 to 2008, a period both Houses of Congress were controlled by the Democratic, the rates for all but one reported STD and teen pregnancies increased. Interesting considering that the liberal faction maintains a supposition that they are the caretakers of the nation’s welfare and that their compassion along with an endless stream of tax dollars will fix everything.

No one person is to be blamed for the states shortcomings therefore, any problems or prosperity that falls upon us are collective actions carried out by all. It is absurd to assert that the Governor is solely responsible for the sexual and eating habits of our teenagers, and for the hard decisions made in respect to the state budget made.

So who or what is to blame here?

I blame it on failed social and welfare programs, poor parenting, lack of personal responsibility, improper education, the blithe attitude that has penetrated our society and declining moral values.

-Glynn Olsen Senior, Political Science (Pre-Law)

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Thumbs up to lower gas prices this week. As college students, who in general have no extra money to spend, ever little bit helps. Those of us who are commuters however, do regret that we can no longer use the “gas was too expensive excuse” to get out of traveling to campus every once in a while.

Thumbs down to high prices on food in the student union building. A bag of skittles has more than a hundred percent mark-up on the price we could get them for at Walmart. When you’re on a college student budget, that’s just not cool.

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Thumbs down to budget cuts campus wide due to the goal for enrollment not being met. We can now not higher the ideal number of staff needed to make this paper even greater than it already is.

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Thumbs up to the text-share program offered in the West Library. We realize the library does not house every book on earth within its walls, so being able to request the books we need be brought in from a local library has proven to be very helpful. The service is quick and efficient.

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Thumbs down to the giant water bugs in residence halls. We see you scuttling across the hallways and into residents’ rooms. With any luck, facilities will order that you be executed by use of Raid. Since residents pay thousands of dollars for housing each semester, we think this is the least they could do to accommodate those who aren’t bug enthusiasts.

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Thumbs up to staff in Career Services who put together the events for the Career Extravaganza last week. The Fashion show on Sept. 20 was not only entertaining, but short, sweet and to the point.

“We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.”

— Thomas Jefferson

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Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature. While every consider-

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The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style.

Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinion page.

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News

September 28, 2011

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Graduate programs now accepting applications Kelsi Holland

knholland@mail.txwes.edu

Staff in the Texas Wesleyan graduate admissions office have initiated the start of the application process for juniors and seniors looking to enter the graduate program.

Bethany Winkenweder, graduate admissions counselor, provides information for and promotes the many options Texas Wesleyan offers for students looking for a master’s degree or specific certification.

“Students who are looking to go for a master’s degree have an advantage going from the undergraduate program to the graduate program at Wesleyan,” Winkenweder said. “The process of applying is

GRAMMER

different for each degree program.”

Texas Wesleyan University offers graduate programs in the School of Business and School of Education. Graduate programs are also offered in counseling and nurse anesthesia.

For students wanting to go into a law career, there is also a graduate program offered at the Texas Wesleyan School of Law in downtown Fort Worth.

Winkenweder said the applications for these programs are located on www.texasapply.com. He also said the requirements for each program vary because of the degree choice.

Other new programs at Wesleyan now include a 4+1=2 degrees pro-

continued from page 1

Currently, Grammer spends time outside of Wesleyan with his wife Janet and grandkids, granddaughter Eliza (9) and grandson Edan (11).

“Eliza, if you ask her where she’s going to college, she says ‘where you teach papa Tim,’” Grammer said.

His wife, a registered nurse, works in the kidney transplant program at Parkland Hospital, and shares early wake-ups with her husband.

The Grammers start their mornings off busy with walks for their five dogs—pomeranians Muffin and Mitti, toy chihuahua Mikey, bichon frise Munchkin and miniature schnauzer Mac. Grammer is an animal lover and said growing up, he used to have several dachshunds around.

“My wife isn’t big on dachshunds, but she wanted a lap dog, so we got Muffin,” Grammer said. “Then once that happened—then we got five.”

His love for history began in high school with a memorable teacher, Mr. Jones, who used the Socratic method to teach—a method based off of questioning and inquiry to in-

spire critical thinking.

“He was the very best high school teacher I ever knew,” Grammer said.

Grammer credits his wife for the motivation it took to get his master’s degree and doctorate before becoming a teacher.

“It’s all her,” Grammer said.

“Without her kicking me in the pants to do it, I wouldn’t have.”

In the fleeting spare free moments Grammer gets, he enjoys making plastic model ships—sometimes spending months on a single project.

“It’s not the creation,” Grammer said. “It’s the journey to get there.”

Bill Rucker, sophomore history major, has taken three courses in the past year and a half with Grammer.

“I go out of my way to be in Dr. Grammer’s classes,” Rucker said. “Really for two reasons— one, because he’s a very interesting and challenging teacher and number two, the subject matter and the way he teaches it, I actually learn it.”

gram in the School of Education.

In this program, the student completes his or her undergraduate degree the end of junior year and takes graduate courses to graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a combined time of five years. This saves students a year of time, since the traditional bachelor’s and master’s degrees would take a combined six years to earn.

The School of Law downtown also offers the juris doctorate degree (a doctorate in law), and the historical and Burleson campuses offer several other doctorate degree programs for students who have earned their master’s degree to apply for.

“Many students who are looking to apply get certain shortcuts if they

GHANA

maintain excellent grades,” Winkenweder said. “There are some exemptions for taking the GRE or GMAT if you have maintained certain requirements. Each student who goes through admissions can easily find out if they meet those requirements once their application is submitted.”

Winkenweder said many students are happy attending the graduate programs and enjoy the benefits of being a Wesleyan graduate and moving on to a higher level of education at the university.

Travis Smith, graduate student in the master’s of business administration program, has completed his bachelor’s at Wesleyan and is moving toward his next degree.

“I’ve really enjoyed my professors

and they are helpful,” Smith said.

Wendi Andino is the coordinator of the provost office on the historical campus and in a graduate program at the School of Law. “I love being a student at Texas Wesleyan,” Andino said. “I went to a bigger university and coming to a smaller private university is refreshing. The faculty personalizes with the students and the overall experience has been great.”

Texas Wesleyan offers online applications for all graduate degree programs mentioned. For more information students can visit the university’s website at www.txwes.edu or go to the Administration Building and visit the Graduate Admissions office on the second floor.

continued from page 1

shows on Sunday.”

Variety nights were evenings where different performers and dancers would come to the high school and dance or perform a music number for the students.

Film shows consisted of everyone coming and watching a movie shown by staff at the school.

Rhabbles said he really enjoyed attending Mfantsipim too.

“We were in the best high school known to the nation, one that had made the country proud with its graduates being known worldwide with the likes of Kofi Annan, once the UN General Secretary,” Rhabbles said. “This made everyone who was somehow related to the school walk with their heads up.”

Angsomwine graduated from high school in 2006 and in that same year visited the United States to see his uncle who lives in New York.

“I visited him and then returned to Ghana,” Angsomwine said. “In 2007, I came back to the United States and have not been back to Ghana since.”

Angsomwine said he came to the U.S. for education and basketball and

was okay with being far from home. His parents still live in Ghana—his mom a teacher and dad a civil servant.

“I attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma last year but came to Wesleyan for the education, area and basketball program,” Angsomwine said.

Angsomwine is currently a part of the Texas Wesleyan’s men’s basketball team. soccerusa.com | Courtesy Rhabbles also graduated from high school in 2005. Two students who attended high school togethHe said he came to the Unit- er in Ghana, Africa now call themselves Rams. ed States because his family lives here.

Angsomwine said he enjoys the Currently, he is living with his university but misses his home family in the Fort Worth area. country.

“I decided to come to Wesleyan “I miss my family and the food,” because I love soccer and comput- Angsomwine said. “I miss everyers,” Rhabbles said. “I was going to thing about Ghana.” play on the soccer team but I didn’t Ricardo Aguilera, business marget cleared by the NAIA Clearing keting major, is on the Ram men’s House so I am currently the team soccer team with Rhabbles. manager.”

“It is definitely a unique story,” Regardless of not being able to Aguilera said. “It is special to have play on the team, Rhabbles said he foreign influence on our team, and still enjoys Wesleyan. to become friends with him.”

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THE RAMBLER | www.therambler.org

New Girl show captures real life with humor Shauna Banks

sbbanks@mail.txwes.edu

The lovechild of Friends and the Big Bang Theory joined the Tuesday lineup on Fox. New Girl, starring Zooey Deschanel as Jess Day, premiered at 8 p.m.

Sept. 20 on Fox—giving Dancing With The Stars and Biggest Loser a run for their money.

From the moment it began to the second it ended, New Girl was pure humor.

Although it often seems that networks show all the funny parts in the promos for new comedies, New Girl definitely had some unexpected spit-your-coke-out laughing moments.

The story focuses on Jess, who in the opening scene, finds her boyfriend cheating on her. Not wasting much time, she decides to move out and then interviews to be the fourth roommate in a loft already home to three bachelors. In a 2-1 vote, Jess

makes the cut and moves in—only to subject all three men to a nonstop playing of Dirty Dancing in an attempt to get over her ex.

The biggest comical relief of the show was definitely Coach, played

by Damon Wayans Jr. Although he’s the one from the get-go that thinks having a woman live in the loft is a bad idea, he seems to be the one that gives Jess the verbal jolts back to reality she needs.

In return, in all of her socially awkward glory, she attempts to help him learn how to talk to women. He doesn’t quite master the technique in this first episode—still unable to lower his voice under the octave of a drill sergeant and lacking the compassion to care about any real topic a female may want to talk about.

However, Coach’s sarcastic quips and responses to his other roommates throughout the premiere were enough to keep any viewer from turning the channel.

Schmidt, another of Jess’ new roommates also offers a few laughs throughout. Played by Max Green-

field, Schmidt is the delusional male type—always wanting to get to the next level in his career, and overly proud of his barely-there six pack. After many less-thanimpressive (but funny) come-on lines, and per loft rules, he throws more than a few dollars into their version of a swear jar—dubbed the “douchebag jar.�

Jess’ third new roommate, and certainly the sensitive one of the bunch is Nick, played by Jake Johnson.

Still reeling from a break-up six months before, he seems to relate the most to Jess’ relationship woes. He also is the one to initiate Jess’ rescue when her rebound guy turns out to be a dud too.

Since Nick is the most relatable to Jess, it seems like the smallFoxpress.com | Courtesy est sparks may have already begun to take off between the two. New Girl premiered on Sept. 20 on Fox. It will continue on Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

But, it is too early to tell if those sparks will segue into a slow burn- of the best combination of social awk- into at 8 p.m. each Tuesday, and looks ing romance or a best friend for life. wardness, real life situations and witty to be one of the best new shows of Overall, the show was 30 minutes dialogue. It is definitely worth tuning the season.

Fashion show offers style advice for the work place photos by Olivia Blanco | Rambler Staff The school of business at Texas Wesleyan put together a fashion show, with the help of Dillards, at noon Tuesday Sept. 20 in Martin Hall auditorium. The event aimed to show students and faculty how to be trendy yet professional. Representatives from Dillards also gave tips for interviewing and lunch/dinner etiquette. All the clothes in the fashion show were provided by Dillards. Left: Dr. Marcus Kerr, chief information ofďŹ cer,wore a varied blue brown and yellow striped button up coupled with a sleek brown blazer, slacks and dress shoes. Below: Eduardo Aguilar, theatre major, wore a pair of khakis, black dress shoes, a solid navy blue button up and a red tie embellished with silver spots. Psychology major Hannah Locke wore a red jumper complimented by a black jacket with platinum cuffs and pair of solid black pumps. Right: Mia Daniels, ďŹ nance major, struck a pose with an asymmetrical gray selection with lace embroidery below the neckline, a pair of gold peep toe heels and matching gold earrings and bangle.

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The Department of Music present

The President’s Council Fall Kick-off and Music Scholarship BeneďŹ t Concert The Fort Worth Symphany Orchestra September 30, 2011 Martin Hall

For more information, visit http://www.txwes.edu/music/music/index.htm or call 817-531-4992

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Š Puzzles provided by sudokusolver.com

Texas Wesleyan University

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Campus Feature

September 28, 2011

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Chaney encourages student leadership Melissa Bates

mdbates@mail.txwes.edu

The World of Wesleyan Leaders, a program implemented last fall, teaches students the leadership skills necessary to succeed in their careers and life.

Michael Chaney, coordinator of student activities, volunteerism and Greek adviser, said the program has gained a lot of interest from students.

Chaney said he originally had 60 students at the start of the program. Since then, there have been an estimated 50 students who have achieved their leadership certificate.

Chaney said Wesleyan Leaders is not just about learning leadership skills, but also about learning how to give back to the community.

“One of the things we’re gearing up to participate in, off the get-go, is going to be the Step-Out Diabetes in November,” Chaney said. “We’re going to do a few philanthropy events leading up to that. We’ll also be participating in some fall festivals with elementary schools.”

Chaney said the program is free to all students and there is no fee to join.

“The benefits of being involved in this program are students will gain skills and personal growth, as well as, network, fellowship and an enhanced college experience,” Chaney said.

Chaney said Wesleyan Leaders is more about general leadership rather than specific leadership styles.

“We really touch a broad range of things pertaining to leadership and the quality of the conversation,” He said.

“The direction we end up going every semester is com-

pletely dependent on the needs and wants of the students involved in the program.”

Chaney said he hopes students learn about themselves through the program and gain an enhanced college experience.

“I hope they hone in on some skills, look at some of their strengths and weaknesses in regards to leadership and how they influence the world around them,” Chaney said. “It’s looking at the world around you and realizing leadership is truly everywhere.”

Brandon Flowers, junior computer science major, said he has been involved in Wesleyan Leaders since it was implemented. He said he became involved with Wesleyan Leaders because he knew having leadership training would help him better his chances with his career once he graduates.

“It has given me a different look on my daily activities, decisions and actions,” Flowers said. “I have to make sure that my actions, words and decisions are positively influential rather than thinking this is just about myself.”

Garry Jones, junior political science major, said he became involved in Wesleyan Leaders to build leadership and communication skills.

“When I went into World of Wesleyan Leaders, I was a little more reserved,” Jones said. “I didn’t like initiating or leading everything I was a part of and I’m kind of the opposite now.”

Jones said he doesn’t give entire credit to Wesleyan Leaders.

“I’m not sure World of Wesleyan Leaders has been the determining factor or driving force behind that, but I think it’s helped in some capacity,” Jones said.

Michael Chaney | Courtesy World of Wesleyan Leaders, a program implemented last fall by Michael Chaney, coordinator of student activities, volunteerism and Greek advisor, teaches students skills necessary to become good leaders. A ceremony is held once a semester to honor students who received their certification.

Selena Stewart, music education major, said she became involved in Wesleyan Leaders because she wants to be an elementary music teacher which will put her in a leadership position.

“In order for me to be an effective leader, I want to know all the characteristics, all the training and everything that I can develop within myself so I can be that positive role model,” Stewart said.

Stewart said Wesleyan Leaders has given her more confidence and she recommends it to other students.

“I would say it is a leadership program that helps people not only to become leadMichael Chaney | Courtesy ers,” Stewart said. “But also to know what good leaders Members of World of Wesleyan Leaders are treated to workshops and ceremoney dinners. look like and to help others Byparticipating in the program, students gain a new perspective on leadership and learn new skills. All students are welcomed to join. be leaders.”

Students promote school spirit Kelsi Holland

knholland@mail.txwes.edu

The Texas Wesleyan Blu Cru is back in the swing of its Ram pride this fall.

Carolyn Ikens, spirit coordinator and adviser for the Blu Cru, has worked to get the organization up and running for game season.

According to the organization’s guidelines, the goal of Blu Cru is to bring as much respectful spirit to athletic events as possible and to support Wesleyan athletes and coaches in every way.

“The students involved are very excited,” Ikens said. “They will definitely boost the games and add fun and excitement to the college atmosphere.”

Ikens said any student can join as long as he or

she is not on social or judicial probation. He or she must also have good academic standing with Texas Wesleyan, and be respectful at games.

Ikens said there is no limit on how many students can join and any student can participate.

Ikens also said students are not required to audition for Blu Cru. Blu Cru members are informed of pre-scheduled games and attend all home basketball games for men and women.

The organization is currently looking into transportation to attend away basketball games.

Ikens said in preparation for the games, the Blue Cru membders will have their faces painted, have cool T-shirts available, and possibly plan in-

dividual thematic outfits.

There is no cost to be in the organization and face paint and T-shirts are provided by staff at Wesleyan.

Erika Lujan, junior early childhood-6 major and Blu Cru member, said, “What I look forward to seeing is the excitement and getting the crowd pumped while cheering on our Rams.”

Veronica Hernandez, junior psychology major and Blu Cru member, agrees with Lujan.

“I’m ready to go out and cheer for our teams,” Hernandez said.

The Blu Cru members hope to encourage other Wesleyan students to come out and cheer on Ram athletes.

For more information, visit the spirit office located in the Sid Richardson Student Center.

Olivia Blanco | Rambler Staff The Blu Cru attended the womens’s Volleyball game, Wesleyan vs. St. Thomas University, on Sept. 23 in the Sid Richardson Student Center. Members of Blu Cru painted themselves blue and had the team players’ name and number painted on their backs. Blu Cru cheered for the Lady Rams throughout the entire game.

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September 28, 2011

Community

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

STAAR test raises standards for education

Eliana Mijangos

emmijangos@mail.txwes.edu

This is the last in a series about public schools in the Polytechnic Heights area.

The Texas Education Agency has implemented a new standardized test for students in the public school system in Texas — the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test.

STAAR is being implemented in all elementary and middle schools for third grade through ninteh grade starting spring 2012. On the high school level, ninth graders will be the only ones to take the STAAR test this year.

Students graduating in 2014 or before will continue to take the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test as they have in the past.

“Standardized testing isn’t something I am fond of in general simply because some teachers tend to teach to the test by using worksheets rather than more hands on, experimental approaches to teaching,” Cristina Ibarra, senior early childhood-6 major, said.

Dr. Bill Newton, assistant professor of education chair, said STAAR is built around higher order thinking skills in an effort by the TEA to raise the bar in their expectations for students to think on a higher level.

“It’s a continuation of just continuing to raise the bar,” Newton said. “As we get better and better as teachers and we expect students to do more and more, I think it’s important that the measures that we use reflect that.”

Some Wesleyan education majors are having a hard time accepting the new test format.

“I think it is a horrible test from what I have heard,”

Kristal Peters, senior early childhood-6 major, said.

“The test I see is not better for the children, but better for the state to analyze what the teachers are doing.”

For students who have identified disabilities, there are accommodations on the test and different tests based on their individual educational plans, which are reevaluated each year.

As for other students, Newton said the goal of the test is reasonable and at a level students need to prove comparable to move forward after high school.

“I do think that teachers are doing more and better at individualizing and recognizing needs and dealing with the needs of the students prior to the assessment,” Newton said.

The most significant changes in this testing policy will go through the public high schools in the next few years. Rather than taking the TAKS test, students will take 12 End of Course exams throughout their four years in high school to asses individual classes and subjects rather than their grade level as a whole. If, for example, a student completes the English I course, they will take the corresponding English I End of Course exam to assess their knowledge.

“Children must analyze political cartoons. This seems complex for children to do if only some know anything about politics,” Peters said. “Next, students will be timed. That puts more stress on them to make sure they get enough of the test complete.”

Middle school testing will remain the same in the sense it is grade-level based rather than individual courses. However, any students in advanced place-

ment classes who are trying to earn high school credits will have to complete the End of Course exam for that subject in order for the credit to transfer.

Newton said he feels this was an appropriate age to begin merging this test into academic programs.

“You can’t make students accountable for what they haven’t been instructed on,” Newton said. “TEA is very careful about having an implementation schedule that teachers and administrators know about well ahead of time so that they can prepare for it and make adjustments to the curriculum.”

Wesleyan’s education department is well ahead for preparation on this curriculum.

“We’ve had info on the STAAR test for a couple years now and professors for those courses have been building those curriculums

Photos by Rachel Peel | Rambler Staff The STAAR test will replace the TAKS test begining in spring 2012 for third through nineth grades.Students who graduate before 2015 will continue to take the TAKS test until they graduate. The new standardized testing has has risen concern for some education majors on the Wesleyan campus. The STAAR test for high school students will consist of End of Course exams over material they have covered during the school year instead of over a period of time. Students in third through eighth grades will take tests on specific content areas like math and reading.

for some time now,” Newton said.

Ibarra said she hopes this test will have a better im-

pact on students than the TAKS has had.

“I try to stay optimistic about the new STAAR,”

Ibarra said. “I hope that it allows teachers to teach using a more student-involved approach.”

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September 28, 2011

Lady Ram volleyball slams SAGU for 3-1 home victory against rivals Eliana Mijangos

emmijangos@mail.txwes.edu

The Lady Ram volleyball team took a 3-1 win against conference rivals, Southwest Assemblies of God University, Sept. 20 in the Sid Richardson Center.

The Lady Rams started strong in the first set taking an 11-4 lead early. Alex Hendee, freshman outside hitter, had the first four kills for Wesleyan. The Lady Rams capitalized on Lady Lion errors and Bailey Blunting, freshman middle blocker, finished the set with a kill to get them a 25-12 win.

“They came out strong, but we came out stronger,” Angelica Arroyo, sophomore setter, said.

In the second set, the Lady Rams started behind until Lynsay Buell, sophomore

middle blocker, and Blunting both had two blocks followed by a kill by Blunting to take their deficit down 22-24, Lady Lions leading.

A kill by Buell brought the game to a tie at 24-24.

SAGU capitalized on Lady Ram errors and took the lead 26-25. Elena Vannaman, freshman defensive specialist, stepped in for the last play of the game and the Lady Rams won 28-26 with a serve SAGU couldn’t return.

“We are excited about the win against a tough rival,” Marissa Rangel, senior defensive specialist said. “We hope to keep up the hard work and finish in a strong position for the conference tournament.”

In the third set, Blunting started the game with a kill, but the Lady Lions quickly

took the lead 3-7. Katherine Rosenbusch, freshman middle blocker, put her team back in the game with two kills in a row bringing the score to 18-21. The Lady Rams couldn’t translate and lost 19-25.

The Lady Rams came out on fire in the fourth set taking an 11-7 lead with a block

by Rosenbusch. Meghan Finley, freshman middle blocker, stepped up for a kill bringing the lead to 2214 and Rosenbusch finished the game with a block and kill taking the 25-15 win.

“I am super excited about the win and the season,” head women’s volleyball coach Christi Clawson said.

“I expect to finish no less than No. 2 [in the Red River Athletic Conference] and we look forward to playing Brownsville in the play offs.”

Standings:

Red River Athletic Conference College/ University

Overall

Pct.

Texas at Brownsville

16-0

1.000

St. Thomas

7-5

.583

Texas Wesleyan

7-9

.438

Wiley

10-7

.588

SAGU

8-8

.500

Bacone

4-9

.308

OLLU

2-15

.118

Huston-Tillotson

1-12

.077

Sooner Athletic Conference College/University

Overall

Pct.

Lubbock Christian

13-2

.867

Oklahoma Baptist

14-9

.609

Southern Nazarene

15-4

.790

John Brown

12-6

.667

Wayland Baptist

12-5

.706

Oklahoma City

8-12

.400

St. Gregory’s

5-7

.417

Mid-America Christian

2-9

.182

SAGU 1 vs. TWU 3

Meisa Keivani Najafabadi | Rambler Staff Top: Elena Vannaman, freshman defensive specialist, dives for a dig off her teammates’ blocks during a practice to prepare for St. Thomas University Sept. 30. Bottom: Sophomoremiddle blocker Katherine Rosenbusch goes for a kill at the Sid Richardson Center.

Player

SP

rK

E

TA

Finley, Meghan

4

10

1

26

Buell, Lynsay

4

11

9

39

Hendee, Alex

4

7

3

27

Bunting, Bailey

4

6

3

20

Dominguez, Stephanie

4

3

0

8

Rosenbusch, Katherin

4

12

2

31

Vannaman, Elena

4

0

0

0

Arroyo, Angelica

4

0

1

2

R

D A E

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September 28, 2011

Sports

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Soccer starts 2-0 in RRAC openers Eliana Mijangos

emmijangos@mail.txwes.edu

Rams soccer went 2-2 in season openers. Sept. 22 the Rams traveled to Oklahoma where they took on Bacone College in the Red River Athletic Conference season opener. The Rams took a 5-2 win against the Warriors.

“Two road wins are a great start to a successful season,” Christian Sotelo, senior defense, said.

This game showed the Rams improvement from last year as this game brought the Rams to 23 goals in eight games verses last year’s 26 goals in 17 games The first goal of the game was scored at 9 minute by Ivan Kovacevic, sophomore midfielder, with an assist by T.J. Romaguera, sophomore midfielder.

In the 18 minute, Adam Pierce, senior defense and midfielder, hit Kyle Fritz, senior forward, with an assist for the second goal of the game.

The next two goals were scored by Kovacevic followed

by Romaguera to bring the score to 4-0 at the half.

The Warriors didn’t hit until the 59 minute, but an on fire Kovacevic scored his third goal of the game taking it to 5-1.

In the 63 minute, the Warriors scored their second and last goal of the game and the Rams took the 5-2 win. The Rams outshot Bacone 32-13 and 17-8 on goal.

“We played two tough opponents and put away our opportunities when we needed to,” Sotelo said.

On Sept. 24, the Rams turned around to take on

Texas College in Tyler, Texas where they took their second win of the season 2-1 against the Steers.

Kovacevic scored the first goal in the 25 minute. Shortly after that, in the 36 minute, the Steers came back to tie up the game 1-1 at the half.

Romaguera got an assist in the 53 minute to Liren Halle, freshman forward for the 2-1 win. The Rams outshot the Steers 14-13.

“It’s awesome to get a win in our first two conference games,” Ricardo Aguilera, senior forward, said. “It’s definitely an improvement from the last and the wins will continue throughout the rest of our conference games.”

Check out the Rams again at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Martin Field as they take on San Antonio’s Our Lady of the Lake University.

Meisa Keivani Najafabadi | Rambler Staff Dejan Milosevic, junior goal keeper, jumps for a save in the 1-1 tie against Oklahoma City University on Sept. 13 at Martin Field. The Rams faced off against Bacone College and Texas College for two road game wins putting them 2-0 in the RRAC.

was taken by freshman 5K runner Maria Aguayo with a time of 19:47 and freshman 5K runner Rebecca Nichols took fourth with a time of 20:04. The fifth spot was won by freshman 5K runner Ana Segovia with a time of 20:06. “The win was amazing for us,” Gutierrez said.

“We felt like we had to prove ourselves in our home and we did by getting perfect scores. Our times were good and this just gave us the confidence to progress and win conference.”

The Lady Rams teamed up to rack in a total score of 15.

“It definitely has increased our motivation,”Davis said.

“We want to go to every race with that winning mentality

and come out the winners every time.”

Practice for the ladies has continued to benefit them in each meet.

“Practice is the reason we are in the shape we are,” Nichols said. “We go out everyday and bust our butts, and finally seeing the results is just awesome.”

The Lady Rams said they are ready for a conference championship.

“It won’t be easy but I hope that with this win Friday the girls like the feeling of winning and continue doing so,” Davis said.

The men’s cross country team also competed Sept. 23 at Gateway Park. Wesleyan finished second behind Tex-

as A&M University- Commerce and in front of Arlington Baptist University.

The total score for the Rams was a 47 in the 8K race.

Top runners for Wesleyan, included freshman 8k runner Ramiro Garcia with a time of 26:14, sophomore 8K runner Edwin Ngeno who placed fourth with a time of 26:26. Placing 13th was sophomore 8K runner Bobby Hawes, and 14th place was given to junior 8K runner Andrew Herrera.

Taking 15th for the race was junior 8K runner Taylor Gill.

The Rams and Lady Rams will run again Oct. 1 in the Oklahoma State University Jamboree.

Ram cross country takes high ranks in Ram Ramble Emma Fradette

ekfradette@mail.txwes.edu

The Texas Wesleyan women finished first and men finished second in Wesleyan’s annual Cross Country Ram Ramble Sept. 23 in the at Gateway Park. The Lady Rams competed against Hardin Simmons University who finished second and Northwood University, third place team.

The run was a 5K with five Wesleyan runners coming in the first five places. Sophomore 5K runner Jessica Davis finished in first place with a time of 18:44. sophomore 5K runner Lauri Gutierrez finished second running a 19:28 5K. Third place

Rachel Peel | Rambler Staff The Lady Ram cross country team prepares for their second annual Ram Ramble in front of the Sid Richardson Center Sept.

22. The Lady Rams finished first overall racking in a total score of 15 points. The men’s cross country team also competed and finish second with a score of 47.

Emma Fradette | Rambler Staff Ram Baseball took on Hill College in a preseason scrimmage that took place Sept. 25 at La Grave Field. The Rams played a double header winning 6-5 in the 1 pm.game and 4-0 following that one. “We have a lot of talented guys who still want to get better everyday. Team chemistry is also very important and I think we have that this year,” senior shortstop, Christian Soberanes, said.