NEWS for STUDENTS
Discuss current news -- such as Kosovo's Independence or the dramatic fall of the U.S. Dollar in class -- using NEWS WEBSITES for students.

• PBS NewsHour Extra
• CNN Student News
• New York Times Learning Network: News Summaries
• Scholastic News

Kosovo - On Feb 17, after lengthy negotiations with Serbia led by the EU/Russia/U.S. troika, the elected representatives of the people of Kosovo declared the province’s independence.

The Fall of the Dollar- The EURO has reached a new high against the dollar, with the 15-nation currency at one point worth $1.5087. The drop in the dollar came after a series of dour reports on the U.S. economy and expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue slashing interest rates.

Elections 2008
The Internet - A Powerful Tool in U.S. Politics: The Internet is having a great influence on this year's race for President. Internet allows people to learn about candidates faster and is believed to be encouraging young people to think about the presidential campaign.

Gender and Politics: Looking at the influence of gender role expectations on contemporary American presidential politics.

hroughout U.S. history, presidential candidates have stood or stumbled by their stance on political issues. Despite the powers of personality, popularity, and publicity, a presidential candidate who wants to win on Election Day must win on the issues as well.

Teaching Literature: Contemporary Literature for Young Adults
The American Library Association's ( ALA) Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The Alex Awards were created to recognize that many teens enjoy and often prefer books written for adults, and to assist librarians in recommending adult books that appeal to teens.

The Best Books for Young Adults list is compiled annually by a committee of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of ALA. The books, recommended for those ages 12-18, meet the criteria of both good quality literature and appealing reading for teens.

YALSA also compiles a 2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers selection list. The Quick Picks list suggests books that teens, ages 12-18, will pick up on their own and read for pleasure.

This Month
St. Patrick's Day: In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 1766. Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades.

Women's History Month & International Women's Day: March is Women's History Month, a federally recognized, nationwide celebration that encourages Americans to reflect on the ways in which women have shaped U.S. history. But how did this celebration come to be, and why is it held in March?

Web Chat Station & Education USA
Friday, March 14, 15:00 – 16:00: STUDY, INTERNSHIPS, SUMMER JOBS, HIGH SCHOOL STAYS IN THE U.S. - Questions relating to studying, working or seeking internships in the U.S. will be answered by representatives from the Information Resource Center and Consular sections. Please register in advance.

Leipzig Book Fair
The Consulate General Leipzig is once again present with a booth, at which our colleagues will display a wide variety of the latest American titles, all generously contributed by U.S. publishers.