A bill was proposed on Thursday to make drugged driving illegal, unless you have a prescription. But could over-the-counter drugs test positive too? Also, Patt Morrison joins us to "Ask the Chief." Then, we'll look at flipped classroom models and if family businesses should be passed down to the next generation. All that and more on AirTalk.
Do prescription drugs and other medications impair drivers?
Everybody knows you’re not supposed to get behind the wheel after you’ve had a few drinks. And if you’re stopped, there’s a clear measure for law enforcement: 0.08% of alcohol in your blood. But what if your driving is impaired by something else – prescription painkillers, cold medicine or other medications? A report released by the California Office of Traffic Safety last year found that twice as many weekend, nighttime drivers tested positive for potentially impairing drugs as for alcohol.
A new law proposed by State Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) would make driving under the influence of certain Class I through IV drugs illegal, unless you have a prescription. Also, common medications that contain codeine such as Tylenol with codeine and Xanax fall into this category.
Orange County is already on the frontlines in the effort to reduce drugged driving with a program in place to train officers to recognize the symptoms in the field. But how will drug tests and officers be able to distinguish between over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions? Other critics say drugs can linger in the body and will cause positive test results, even though the driver may not be impaired. Also, what’s the difference between driving with or without a valid prescription if the driver is considered impaired?
Guests:
Norma Torres, California Assembly Member (D-Pomona)
Lanette Davies, director of legislative affairs, Crusaders for Patients Rights
Ask the Chief: LAPD Chief Charlie Beck on the Dorner case and more
In the wake of the Christopher Dorner case, the Los Angeles Police Department has its hands full. It has been an especially busy and no doubt difficult two weeks for LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, but he’s making time to sit down with Patt Morrison.
RELATED: See all of KPCC's Dorner coverage
Dorner, a black ex-officer who apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot last Tuesday, claimed he had been subjected to racism within the department. At a press conference yesterday, Chief Beck confirmed that a review of Dorner's firing from the LAPD is under way.
RELATED: LAPD Chief Beck will meet with community about Christopher Dorner firing investigation
Plus, what about the million dollar reward offered for Dorner? "It should be paid out, but it has to be done fairly," said Beck. And what's the latest update on the LAPD officers who shot innocent bystanders in pursuit of Dorner? Listen in as Patt Morrison gets the answers to these questions and more from the Chief of the LAPD himself, Charlie Beck.
Guest:
Charlie Beck, Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department
Can flipping the classroom fix the educational system?
It’s a familiar scenario to anyone who’s been to high school: teachers droning out a lecture in front of a class of bored, distracted or uncomprehending students, who are then sent home to try to apply the day’s lesson to homework on their own. And any teacher can tell you that the results aren’t always what they hope for. But what if the model were turned on its head? In the “Flipped Learning” method, teachers assign home viewing of videotaped lectures, then spend class time helping their students solidify what they’ve learned with projects, exercises and Socratic discussions.
What’s the upside for learning? More one-on-one time with a teacher who can be present to answer questions, explain difficult concepts and overcome stumbling blocks. Teachers report improved grades along with greater student engagement and comprehension. The movement has been growing in popularity since its inception around nine years ago.
One online association devoted to the concept, the Flipped Learning Network, boasts a membership of 11,000 teachers and administrators worldwide. If Flipped Learning is so successful, why haven’t more schools adopted it?
What kind of work outlay is required by teachers to prepare adequate home learning materials? What if all students don’t have adequate internet access or the needed technology? If you’re a teacher, would you try this method in your classroom?
Guests:
Aaron Sams, co-author of "Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day" (with Jonathan Bergmann), former high school chemistry teacher and chair of the Flipped Learning Network
Gary S. Stager, Ph.D., speaker, teacher and educator who writes a column on education for The Huffington Post
Crystal Kirch, mathematics teacher at Segerstrom Fundamental High School in Santa Ana
How will the Lakers heirs deal with inheriting the family business?
With the passing of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, comes not just mourning but questioning over how the kids will do with the family business. Jeanie and Jim Buss have worked with the team already, but always with Jerry's experience and advice looming large. Sports franchises are under a bigger spotlight, but every day businesses get handed down from one generation to the next. What are the prospects for the Buss family and the Lakers? What are the winning and losing strategies for inheriting the family business?
Guests:
Paul Swangard, Woodard Family Foundation Fellow and Managing Director, Warsaw Sports Marketing Center, University of Oregon
Quentin Fleming, author of "Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business," Adjunct Professor,