Contemporary Issues

By Chelsi B

            Contemporary issues is a social studies course currently offered at Valley by Mr. Matt Krambeer.  This class was created last year when the need for more electives for upperclassmen arose.  Rumor got out that this class would be offered again second semester and the openings for students were immediately filled.  Students in this class would like to inform the community about the activities and experiences in this class.  As noted in the course syllabus, “Contemporary issues is a course designed to stimulate interest and understanding of political, economic, cultural, and social issues impacting society.”

Each day a student is assigned to begin the period by providing six major news headlines that are impacting individuals either locally, nationally, or worldly.  Often, these headlines spark concern or opinions within the class and several minutes are then spent debating the issue.  In addition to daily news, two students per week are assigned to present an issue that is currently facing the nation, which is then discussed within the class.  For example, this past week was spent debating the issue of illegal immigration.  Not only does this experience increase knowledge about the topic, but it allows for students to voice their opinions and beliefs on the subject matter.  In addition to these two major activities, they also have the opportunity to decipher the messages of political cartoons that deal with current events.

            This class has been very interesting for Mr. Krambeer and his students, and they would like to encourage the community to partake in their weekly news issues by visiting the Valley website, scrolling to the bottom of the homepage, and clicking on “Online Survey” to voice an opinion on the current issue.

            Contemporary issues is a class that engages all the students and allows for the voices of each individual to be heard in an environment of mutual respect.