Literature+Review

Use this page to summarize some key findings of the research you have reviewed. Be sure to give your name, topic, and then the summary. Others who comment later will need to remember to leave their names as well.
 * Gina Pisani-Loomis** Off topic, yet related!**__ FDA called upon to make a change in the food industry. __** High-fructose corn syrup and mercury content. The presence of mercury in processed high-fructose corn syrup was first revealed through the results of two little-known U.S. studies. Researchers from the two studies reported that about half of tested samples of HFCS contained the toxic element, a substance known to ** wreak havoc on the nervous system, neurological function, and overall biological function **. Even more concerning is the fact that mercury ** was found in nearly one third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage items **, which listed HFCS as the first-or-second-highest labeled ingredient. Of course these are only a sampling of popular products containing HFCS as a main ingredient, and it is a significant challenge to find processed food brands that do not contain HFCS as a major ingredient. David Wallinga, spoke on behalf of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. In a prepared statement on the subject, he stated: "Mercury is toxic in all its forms. Given how much high-fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We are calling for immediate changes by industry and the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] to help stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply."

Hello All, I have a question. I am continuing to research my topic and am immersed in articles on behavioral studies. Several tests suggest that food dyes do effect behavior patterns in mice and rats however, I have noticed that it is noted that because the effects are apparent in mice and rats, they may not be apparent in children because of the difference in species. If that is the case, then why do they continue to test on mice and rats?

//If these the ingredients are so unatural why use them at all, let alone on mice. I agree. Not that helps you...- Kritzia//

These findings, which are similar to the results of our study of chronic administration of a **food** dye mix, suggest that sulfanilic acid may be one of the causative agents in **food** dye-induced behavioral changes in developing rats. While our work suggests a significant effect of azo **food** **dyes** on the developing rat central nervous system, species differences in parameters such as absorption, metabolism, and blood-brain barrier properties do not permit any extrapolation of these observations to proposed effects in children. Gina Pisani-Loomis

Researchers have an obligation not to use humans in experiments that might consider harmful to health. Mice and rats are the common stand-in. J. Arzt

Kritzia N. LaRose: I havefound that there is an argument as to whether the arts should stand alone and advocate for "art for arts sake" or be includedalongside academia with an equal seat at the "table." I never thought Id be one to disagree with those who want art to stand as a seperate entity at its own spot in the academic world, but I do feel, after reading much of the research, that a big part of our schools' problems aredude to the "us against them" mentality. Are we not all educaters that want the best for our children futures? Why can't we work collaboratively knowing that we are all equals? The singularity needs to go. April argues that we need to balance eachother out as educaters. We all have valid info and insight to offer one another!

I see your point, Kritzia, but as long as the school day on the secondary level remains isolated subject areas for students, the separation of disciplines will continue. It is easier to integrate the disciplines on the elementary school level, but even there students may be pulled out for art, music, and comparable areas. We have created an education of fragmentation. The fragmentation continues in higher education, where some might argue it is even more intense, where specific "schools" get more funding than others, for instance the humanities pitted against business schools. In cases in high schools where teachers have teamed together, for instance to teach a humanities course with an English and art teacher pairing up, students like the combination, but these kinds of pairing are sometimes the first to be considered extraneous in the age of high stakes testing. Yet, I know of several cases where this kind of pairing is helping students to see their education as more holistic rather than fragmented. It works well for instance when social studies and English teachers pair up, and students are exposed to the historical events surrounding the work of literature they are studying. Well, it will be interested to see what your literature review uncovers. J. Arzt

Andrea Jakiela- I felt that "us against them" more at the middleschool level Kritz, especially since all of the members of my team"gold" got common planning time except me. That was the period when I got to teach an "extra" class! But, I do not feel that way at the high school level. Maybe it is because the students plan their own schedules for the most part, and all of us support their "elective choices". They can continue on to take as many art, music, theater class as they wish. It is now when they begin to make their plans for college and career. I am very lucky to work in a district where the arts considered an essential part of our students education. The show this weekend was amazing. I was able to have several engaging conversations with my students' parents. The feed-back that I got from them about their children's work and how much they enjoyed the class, made working the whole weekend worthwhile!

This is great news, Andrea, regarding the reception you received in terms of praise from others. I also see your point about middle school versus high school. As someone who took art classes through those school years, I felt the difference you speak about. Also, when I taught high school, I did notice a respect for art classes as a discipline on to itself. As you note, this might be because art is elected in those years. J. Arzt

=== Kate Whalen- I am very disappointed in the lack of research and available literature on social promotion in general AND on the effects of retention/promotion of special education students. Why, in this day and age, are people still trying to "hide the sped kids away"???? ===

Kate McKeon- I am seeing that many mainstream students are disappointed in inclusive classrooms. Most consider inclusive classrooms a disadvantage because the teacher uses most of their time to help special need students.