:
this ammused me, thought ryan might like it
KEY
O = Outstanding
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs improving
History: O
The War on Terror has shown a keen interest in history! This enthusiasm is
to be commended, as it helps the entire class learn and grow. Drawing on
lessons learned in the Gulf War, Kosovo, as well as during the Soviet's
failed Afghan campaign in the 1980s, the War on Terror has avoided costly
mistakes, such as allowing itself to become a protracted ground campaign,
while maximizing its advantage in air power. If the War on Terror
continues to heed history's lessons, it will have a very successful year!
One concern: the War on Terror tends to dominate small group discussions.
A quieter "inside voice" would be preferred.
Mathematics: N
The War on Terror needs improving in the subject of math. In a recent
class exercise called "Count the Taliban Prisoners," the War on Terror
failed to arrive at a single answer. First it concluded there were "as
many as 800," then "around 200." A little later the War on Terror simply
gave up, answering "an unknown number." In the end the War on Terror's
classmate, The Red Cross, completed the task. (Correct answer: 312.) A
strong foundation in arithmetic is a crucial skill for all conflicts -- if
not for fighting, then for paying Northrop Grumman's invoices.
Science: S
The War on Terror has had mixed success in science. The War led the class
in our beginning science unit, entitled, "Detect the Anthrax." However,
when we moved on to the intermediate unit, "Locate the Origins of the
Anthrax," the War on Terror experienced difficulty. Further problems
occurred with our advanced science curriculum, "Produce Anthrax Vaccine in
Sufficient Quantity." It's our hope that the War on Terror can build on
its early success to complete these tasks. Incidentally, the War on Terror
has shattered every piece of Pyrex in our lab. Enclosed, please find the
District's bill for $627.50.
Composition: S
The War on Terror displays an impressive bilingual skill! However, the
essays the War composes often employ a confrontational rhetoric that could
use some softening. One of the War on Terror's early compositions,
fluently written in Pashto, began, " Attention Taliban! You are condemned.
Did you know that? Our helicopters will rain fire down upon your camps
before you detect them on your radar. Our bombs are so accurate we can
drop them right through your windows." The spelling and grammar are
flawless, and the War employs some very creative imagery. But we think a
subtler, less "warlike" approach would engage the reader more
successfully.
Creative Arts: N
The War on Terror has not performed well in the creative arts. The
conflict's biggest artistic project to date is a confused remake of Marvin
Gaye's classic protest song, "What's Going On." Other creative efforts
include an embarrassingly explanatory episode of "The West Wing," and more
replays than we had the stomach to count of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath
My Wings." Not to be negative, but this war is very uptight. Perhaps the
War on Terror should spend more time hanging out with the War in Vietnam,
instead of always shuffling off to study hall with the War on Drugs.
GRADING THE WAR ON TERROR
By Jason Ross
KEY
O = Outstanding
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs improving
History: O
The War on Terror has shown a keen interest in history! This enthusiasm is
to be commended, as it helps the entire class learn and grow. Drawing on
lessons learned in the Gulf War, Kosovo, as well as during the Soviet's
failed Afghan campaign in the 1980s, the War on Terror has avoided costly
mistakes, such as allowing itself to become a protracted ground campaign,
while maximizing its advantage in air power. If the War on Terror
continues to heed history's lessons, it will have a very successful year!
One concern: the War on Terror tends to dominate small group discussions.
A quieter "inside voice" would be preferred.
Mathematics: N
The War on Terror needs improving in the subject of math. In a recent
class exercise called "Count the Taliban Prisoners," the War on Terror
failed to arrive at a single answer. First it concluded there were "as
many as 800," then "around 200." A little later the War on Terror simply
gave up, answering "an unknown number." In the end the War on Terror's
classmate, The Red Cross, completed the task. (Correct answer: 312.) A
strong foundation in arithmetic is a crucial skill for all conflicts -- if
not for fighting, then for paying Northrop Grumman's invoices.
Science: S
The War on Terror has had mixed success in science. The War led the class
in our beginning science unit, entitled, "Detect the Anthrax." However,
when we moved on to the intermediate unit, "Locate the Origins of the
Anthrax," the War on Terror experienced difficulty. Further problems
occurred with our advanced science curriculum, "Produce Anthrax Vaccine in
Sufficient Quantity." It's our hope that the War on Terror can build on
its early success to complete these tasks. Incidentally, the War on Terror
has shattered every piece of Pyrex in our lab. Enclosed, please find the
District's bill for $627.50.
Composition: S
The War on Terror displays an impressive bilingual skill! However, the
essays the War composes often employ a confrontational rhetoric that could
use some softening. One of the War on Terror's early compositions,
fluently written in Pashto, began, " Attention Taliban! You are condemned.
Did you know that? Our helicopters will rain fire down upon your camps
before you detect them on your radar. Our bombs are so accurate we can
drop them right through your windows." The spelling and grammar are
flawless, and the War employs some very creative imagery. But we think a
subtler, less "warlike" approach would engage the reader more
successfully.
Creative Arts: N
The War on Terror has not performed well in the creative arts. The
conflict's biggest artistic project to date is a confused remake of Marvin
Gaye's classic protest song, "What's Going On." Other creative efforts
include an embarrassingly explanatory episode of "The West Wing," and more
replays than we had the stomach to count of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath
My Wings." Not to be negative, but this war is very uptight. Perhaps the
War on Terror should spend more time hanging out with the War in Vietnam,
instead of always shuffling off to study hall with the War on Drugs.
GRADING THE WAR ON TERROR
By Jason Ross






