Education in appalachia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Education in appalachia - Research Paper Example Appalachia’s economic traditions were formed by coal: the ordinary laborer is employed to an occupation s/he believed would be for a lifetime and is prepared and educated on the job (Fisher, 1993). Unfortunately, these occupations do no longer exist. Hence, the Appalachian people are being mandated to acquire their education prior to entering the workforce. People are being obliged to complete some form of education if they plan to get a job in the future (Powell, 2008). But economic progress is also being hampered by the dominant condition of education in the rural communities of Appalachia. Course Outcomes Outcome One: Demographic and Socioeconomic Status As the disparity in rates of poverty between the country and Appalachia was closing over the recent decades, the Appalachian people were coping with other parts of the country in relation to numbers of high school graduates (Ziliak, 2007). According to Ziliak (2007, 1), completion rates in high school grew by 50% between 19 79 and 1999 (see Appendix A) in Appalachian Kentucky, and current studies show that these developments resulted in the remarkable progress in per capita individual income of Kentucky over the recent decades. ... aduates in Appalachian Pennsylvania may somewhat explain the lower rate of poverty in Appalachia, the more depressed numbers of college graduates there perhaps somewhat clarifies the reason Appalachia’s average level of income is lower relative to the country (Powell, 2008). Even though the figures mentioned here is entirely exploratory, it indicates that continuous disparities in levels of educational achievement imply continuous disparities in levels of income (Ziliak, 2007), and hence rates of poverty. Outcome Two: Factors Influencing Education in Appalachia Earlier studies have demonstrated that the effects of the community in the condition of education in Appalachia are usually more subtle than the influences of the family. This appears to be the case for educational achievement in Appalachia: parents’ educational attainment and family poverty affected behaviors of achievement later on, as the community ceased to do so (Powell, 2008). Still, even though different i n terms of degree of influence on educational attainment in Appalachia, the family and community remain to be the two strongest systems impacting Appalachian education. Education is in fact greatly valued in Appalachia; however, local allegiance and family are usually prioritized. If the family requires help from its young adult, education could be hastily stopped for the sake of family obligations (Edwards, Asbury & Cox, 2006). If a specific job or profession may only be performed away from the immediate community, the family could thwart its realization. Outcome Three: The Interaction between the Family, Community, and Education Attainment of educational goals necessitates significant amount of social support, determination, and resources, and these should be given on a continuous and reliable way

Ethical Dilema Essay Example for Free

Ethical Dilema Essay In this paper, I will discuss the ethical dilemma faced by a nurse who is caring for an eight month old patient, who reports with his mother to the emergency room with a suspicious fracture. The mother provides a plausible story, and the physician knows the family and does not suspect abuse. I will discuss the action I would take in order to provide the appropriate care for this patient. As a registered professional nurse, I feel the only approach to the case is to report the injury to Department of Family and Child’s Services (DFACS) for their investigation. When a report is made, DFACS will complete an investigation and make the ultimate decision if abuse or neglect was the cause of the injury. Each nurse has a duty to report all suspicious injuries to DFACS, regardless of her feelings on abuse or neglect. This is true even when the physician knows the family or does not suspect abuse. The nurse is responsible for her own actions. In order to provide the best quality of care for this patient, I would take the statement from the parent about how the patient was injured, and then talk to the physician to gather the physical finding, which may include x-ray reports after this information is gathered, I would report the case to the local DFACS. Anytime there is a suspicious injury regardless of the plausibility of the story, or if the physician knows the patient and does not suspect the parent, the DFACS case must be reported. The nurse in this situation has a duty to report this injury and let child services decide if the patient is in danger. I would perform a complete examination of the patient and communicate with the physician, in addition to noting any other signs of abuse, along with paying close attention for indicators of abuse. Indicators of abuse can warn healthcare providers to pay closer attention to situations that may indicate abuse or neglect and someti mes there are not indicators even though the child may be abused (Henderson, 2013). Three indicators of abuse or maltreatment include physical, child behavioral and parent behavioral indicators (Henderson, 2013). These indicators should not be considered in isolation but should be considered along with the child’s condition in the context with overall physical appearance and behavior; however, it is conceivable that a single indicator may be consistent with abuse or neglect (Henderson, 2013). Considerations of abuse are raised by injuries to both sides of the body and/or to soft tissues, injuries with a specific pattern or injuries that do not fit the explanation, delays in  presentation for care, and/or untreated injuries in multiple stages of healing (Henderson, 2013). It would be helpful to check the patient’s record for previous unexplained injuries or history of frequent visits to the emergency room or physician’s office. Any burns or patterns of bruising during the examination would warrant further investigation. Other signs of physical abuse I would monitor for include signs of pain where there is not visible injury and lack of reaction to pain. I would also note any emotional signs of physical abuse, which include passive, withdrawn or emotionless behavior, and fear when seeing parents. Any symptoms noted on exam should include this in the report to DFACS. Since the physical signs of abuse are often visible, most cases of abuse are recognized by a healthcare provider (Padera, 2009). These signs may be noted at routine appointments or while providing acute care. The ethical principle of non-maleficence and beneficence are addressed with this case. The ethical principle of non-maleficence helps to ensure that healthcare providers do not harm to their patients. If I did not report this case to DFACS for investigation and the abuse continued causing any harm to the patient, this would be an ethical violation of non-maleficence on the part of the nurse. The ethical principle of beneficence ensures that health care provider’s actions benefit the patient. By choosing to report this case to DFACS, my actions would benefit the patient and help ensure that the patient was no longer being abused. As a nurse, if I did not report this to DFACS for investigation, I would be in violation of the nurse practice act, and I could be held liable if the patient suffer more injuries or death at the hand of an abuser. My report of child abuse or neglect is confidential and immune from civil or criminal liability as long as the report is made in good faith and without malice (https://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/childabuse.shtml). Provided these two conditions are met, as a nurse, I am immune from liability if they are asked to participate in any judicial proceedings resulting from the report (https://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/childabuse.shtml). In conclusion, mandatory reporting can produce unanticipated and unwanted consequences (Buppert Klein, 2008). Nurses may be concerned about reporting suspected abuse especially, when the investigation is completed, no abuse or risk to the patient is found (Buppert Klein, 2008). Boards of Nursing rarely  discipline nurses for failure to report and nurses are covered with their nurse practice act when they make reports in â€Å"good† faith (Buppert Klein, 2008). Given this information there is no reason not to report this mother to DFACS for investigation. References: Buppert, C. Klein, T. (2008). Dilemmas in Mandatory Reporting for Nurses. Medscape. P. 4- 16. Henderson, K. L. (2013). Mandated reporting of child abuse: Considerations and guidelines for mental health counselors. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 35(4), 296-309. Padera, Connie. (2009). Nursing, Child Abuse, and the Law. 7(37). P. 122-126. When you suspect child abuse or neglect: A general guide. Retrieved from https://www.oag. state.tx.us/victims/childabuse.shtml

Drawing The Boundaries Of The Ethical Self Essay -- Philosophy Ethics

Drawing The Boundaries Of The Ethical Self This paper evaluates some philosophical views regarding the self who is an ethical deliberator and agent-specifically the traditional atomistic individualist self and the expanded biocentric self of deep ecology. The paper then presents an alternative manner of thinking about the ethical self which avoids some of the philosophical difficulties of the foregoing views. This alternative draws on the recent work by Val Plumwood and Donna Haraway. Haraway's cyborg identity is a kind of self-in-relation (Plumwood's term) which allows for ethical deliberations that take relations with others seriously without losing individuality in problematic holism (as deep ecology does). Self-in-relation is defined by the relation of intentional inclusion. This relation is given a functionalist, non-mentalistic interpretation. The notions of ontological foresight and moral foresight are introduced to enable determinations of moral responsibility without falling back into the problematic universalism whi ch otherwise results from the functionalist view of cyborg self-in-relation. Ethical deliberation does not typically begin with an explicit articulation of the concept of self which underlies such deliberation. But a self is assumed, and usually in Western ethical thought it is an atomistic egocentric individual self. Ethical deliberation, whether deontological, utilitarian, or otherwise, assumed a self/other boundary of some kind, and such an assumption imports bias into our ethical conclusion. Ethical deliberations frequently focus on the interests or rights of individuals, without justifying the assumption of an egocentric individual self. If the traditionally-assumed egocentric individual self ci... ... the self which avoids the difficulties which result from the universalization of the deep ecology modes as well as those which result from individual egocentrism. Cyborg selves are neither isolated egos nor world-souls which merge individuals. Cyborg selves are contingent, multiple, adaptive, connected. The mutable character of cyborg selves points out the necessity for acknowledging, rather than assuming, the boundaries of the self as a part of ethical deliberation. References Haraway, Donna J. 1991. Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature. New York: Routledge. Plumwood, Val. 1995. "Nature, Self and Gender: Feminism, Environmental Philosophy, and the Critique of Rationalism." in People, Penguins, and Plastic Trees: Basic Issues in Environmental Ethics, 2d ed., eds. Christine Pierce and Donald VanDeVeer. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co.

Polar Bears :: essays research papers

Polar bears are big, white bears (sometimes darker fur) that live in very cold regions like around the artic poles. There are 21,000 to 28,000 Polar bears alive that are known. Polar bears swim in water and are carnivores, they eat fish . Polar bears feed mainly on ringed seals and bearded seals. Depending upon their location, they also eat harp and hooded seals and eat carcasses of beluga whales, walruses, narwhals, and Bowhead whales. A polar bears' stomach can hold up to 15% to 20% of its body weight. It can use 84% of the protein and 97% of the fat it eats. Polar bears need about 2 kg (4.4 lb.) of fat per day to survive. A ringed seal weighing 55 kg (121 lb.) could provide up to eight days of energy for a polar bear. On cold days polar bears curl up and cover their muzzle area. During the winter, some polar bears leave their dens and find other places to stay warm. They may use these shelters for several months at a time. Polar bears generally walk with a steady, clumsy walk. The front paws swing towards the sides with each step, landing slightly pigeon-toed. The head swings from side to side. The walk has a four-beat pattern, first the right front foot touches the ground, then the left back foot, then the left front foot, and lastly, the right back foot. Humans may encounter polar bears wherever human and polar bear habitats come together. Polar bear attacks occur most often at sites of human camp where they fish and hunt or in towns close by polars' habitat. Compared to other bears, polar bears are more willing to consider humans as prey. Most likely the person attacked is killed, unless the polar bear is killed first. Polar bears can live up to 20 to 30 years, but only a few of the polar bears live past 15 to 18 years. The oldest known polar bear in the Arctic lived 32 years. And the oldest polar bear in a zoo lived 41 years. Adult polar bears have no natural predators. Males sometimes kill other males competing for mates. Males rarely kill females protecting cubs. Cubs less than one year old sometimes are prey to adult male polar bears and other meat eaters, such as wolves. Newborn cubs may be killed by mothers that are hungry. Polar bears have been hunted for thousands of years.

Dark Tourism

1. 0 Introduction 1. 1 Key Objectives The aim of the report is to study dark tourism and discuss what are the issues generated by the evolution of this phenomenon. 1. 2 Scope The report includes a definition of dark tourism, the history, a description of its target markets with its marketing implications, the push and pull factors and the various impacts caused and the challenges faced. Lastly, conclusions will be drawn. 2. 0 Main Discussions 2. 1 Definition Dark tourism is demarcated as encompassing the visitation to any site allied with death, disaster and tragedy for commemoration, education or entertainment (Webber, 2007). . 2 History Dark tourism is not considered a new phenomenon as it can be referred back to the twelfth century (McCormick, 2004). As far as the Dark ages, pilgrims have started travelling to tombs. The increase in media has allowed events to be reported and repeated. With the increased improvements in technology, tourists and people can have an insight and be in troduced to dark tourism (Stone, 2006). 2. 3 Types of Dark Tourism Dark tourism is the act of travel and visitation to the sites, attractions and exhibitions which have real or recreated death, suffering or disaster in general. Many tourists have flocked to experience sites of past terror that offer grim and disturbing tragedies. However, dark tourism has become so broad that there are many sub-classifications to categorize it. 2. 4 Trends of Dark Tourism The main reason for visiting dark sites is because of the tourists' interest in the elements to witness executions and learn about the death of famous people and others, the demise and fall of empires, torment and suffering of sites from wars or gruesome murders. Tourists also visit the sites sometimes to feel the power of faith, with the inspiration that they can get hope from these deaths (Tarlow, 2005). 2. 5 Push and Pull Factors 2. 5. 1 Push Factors Some tourists prefer more daring, exciting and adventure while others with self development needs may look forward to learning about history behind the events that has happened, widening and exploring more parts of the world. Curiosity and novelty has enticed many tourists to visit dark sites. Also, some tourists travel to these sites to commemorate their family members. . 5. 2 Pull Factors Sites with historical and grim events such as the United States of America where the Pearl Harbor took place have enticed many visits from the tourists. The media has played a role in promoting the sites to the public. Movies were based on sites such the Cullen house in the movie Twilight has an upsurge in tourist visitation. 2. 6 Market Segments Four tourist classifications were identified and are as follo ws; the organized mass tourist, the individual mass tourist, the explorer and the drifter (Cohen, 2004). The generic and niche markets are two distinct types of tourists are who visit dark tourism sites. The niche market segments usually have a particular interest in exploring the conflict and are mostly young people who are individual travellers, part of a university group with an education interest and tourists with a need for self-development (Pearce, 2005). 2. 7 Marketing Implications Dark tourism sites’ marketing managers need to understand the nature of the dark tourism product and not promote dark tourism wrongly having reflective implications for society at large (Stone, 2005). Many tourists visiting dark sites have education as their key motivator. These sites can focus on its teaching aspects such as offering and promoting additional services such as lectures, seminars, or workshops can enhance the tourist’s experience on site. These sites can also de-market themselves to make it unattractive to cut down on the damage caused to the site. 2. 8 Impacts of Dark Tourism 2. 8. 1 Economic Impact Tourism can help bring in revenue to improve a country's economic growth through employment and opportunities (Simpson, Gossling, Scott, Hall, & Gladin, 2008). With the influx of tourists coming from around the world, tourist receipts will grow and directly contributes to the economies of many destinations. 2. 8. 2 Environmental Impact Environmental degradation is caused by different pollutions of air, water, noise and land. Solid waste and litters that tourist dispose has contributed largely to the global environment problem. The carbon emissions of air crafts and carbon footprints of tourists have also increased air and land pollution (Yale, 2004). The zoning of dark tourism sites can help curb problems of over development. However, it also means a sacrifice of an area for the entire site. 2. 8. 3 Socio-Cultural Impact The sustainability of tourists going to dark tourism sites have become an issue. Because commercialization erodes historical value, it is difficult to sustain the sites and maintain the memory from the past. Also, with tourists bringing their own culture into destinations and site, culture management becomes another impact. Tourist should have an obligation to observe codes of behavior and be aware of cultural norms in the destination they are visiting (Howie, 2003). 2. 9 Challenges No doubt many opportunities for the local communities will be created and this allows locals to have an improved life. Many locals can take this opportunity to show their handicrafts. However, these products will be commercialized and loses it authenticity after a period of time. Another challenge identified is that of the long-term damage caused by visitors. Inevitably the high number of visitors received by sites will have an impact in the long term. Therefore it is important to impose a visitor number management to control visitor arrivals to the sites (Yale, 2004). 3. 0 Conclusion Dark tourism has been defined as those visits to any sites associated with death, disaster and tragedy. It has been noted of the various factors why people decide to visit these particular sites. Because dark tourism is an umbrella for various kinds of tourism, there are issues involved and many ways to decrease the impacts caused. Dark tourism sites are highly susceptible to damage and the demand for dark tourism should be controlled via de-marketing tools. However, the issue of de-marketing to improve or lessen the tourist’s arrivals as such can still be debatable. 4. 0 References Cohen, E. (2004). Contemporary tourism: Diversity and change. Boston: Elsevier. Howie, F. (2003) Managing the Tourist Destination, London: Continuum Lennon, J. and Foley, M. (2004) Dark Tourism, London: Thomson McCormick, M. (2004) Ground Zero and the phenomena of dark tourism, Available from: http://www. pilotguides. com/destination_guide/north_america/new_york/ground_zero. php Pearce, P. L. (2005). Tourist behaviour: Themes and conceptual schemes. Clevedon: Channel View Publications. Stone, P. R. (2005) Dark Tourism – an old concept in a new world Tourism – Journal of the Tourism Society, The Tourism Society, Quarter IV, Issue 125, . 20 Stone, P. R. (2006) A dark tourism spectrum: Towards a typology of death and macabre related tourist sites, attractions and exhibitions TOURISM: An Interdisciplinary International Journal, Vol 54(2) p145-160. Tarlow P E (2005) ‘Dark Tourism – the appealing â€Å"dark† side of tourism and more’, in M Novelli (ed) Niche Tourism, Contemporary Issues Trends and Cases. Oxford: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, p47-58. Webber, S. (2007, January 1). Dark Tourism. Retrieved on January 4, 2011, from City Paper: http://www. citypaper. ee/dark_tourism/ Yale, P. (2004) From Tourist Attractions to Heritage Tourism, 3rd ed. , Elm

A look at Abnormal psychology essays

A look at Abnormal psychology essays A Look at Abnormal Psychology through SYBIL Although Sybil Dorsett had many psychological problems, there are some that have a larger role in determining the outcome of her life. Her mother, the main cause of Sybils abnormities is in not the sole cause. Sybils identification with the males in her life also causes her some distress, since she trusts the three main males in her life, but they in turn do not offer her any help. Sybil is also troubled by the fact that she is unable to channel her creativity in a productive manner. While she has many talents she is unable to utilize them as they are all trapped in her separate selves. Finally, due to her mothers condition and the effect her mother had on her, Sybil suffers from a denial of self -realization. Through the combination of these and other predicaments, Sybil develops very individualistic ways to deal with the problems of everyday life. Mainly, she develops different people to help her deal with her troubles and tribulations. Sybil does not come into contact with many males during her life, as she tells Richard herself during their intimate time together. The other men in her life, her father, and her doctor during her childhood are both aware of her condition. And Richard also later finds out about Sybils uncommon troubles. However, although all of them have the power to help her, they do not. Her father, clearly aware of his wifes treatment of their daughter stands back and does nothing. The doctor, as he confesses to Dr. Wilbur near the climax of the movie, knows about Sybils multitude of physical troubles, and yet he does not alert the authorities or confront the mother. Richard, after finding out, leaves Sybil and also moves out of his apartment. Sybil must feel some sort of abandonment, since these men chose not to come to her aid when all of them had the power to. This, undoubtedly, has a troubling affect on her self-esteem and self-...

The Monetary Union of the European Union

The Monetary Union of the European Union The European Union (EU) is a political and economic community counting 27 countries located predominantly in Europe. The EU takes control over the countries through the system of independent institutions and intergovernmental organizations operated by the member states.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Monetary Union of the European Union specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The main policy of the EU lies in developing a single market through ensuring free movement of goods, services, people, and capital. One of the main policies integrated by the EU involves monetary union. This policy represents the control of fiscal and economic policies and a common currency, the euro. In total, these countries constitute the euro area. Certainly, the integrated economic and monetary union produces a plethora of advantages for the members of the European community in terms of a single market and free exchange of products and servi ces. However, there have been rigid debates concerning the optimal conditions for creating Eurozone countries with a single currency area due to the inflexibility of monetary policy. The point is that individual member states fail to act independently, which prevents the countries from printing money to pay their creditors and diminish the risk of default. As a result of the above-presented problems, the European sovereign debt crisis occurred, leading to the difficulties to re-finance the debts without support of the third parties. At the end of 2009, a sovereign debt crisis became serious due to the increase in private and public government debt levels all over the world along with a range of debts in European countries (Berend 2012). The ramifications of the crisis were different in various countries. In some member states, private debts emerged because of the property bubble that were turned into a sovereignty debt due to the banking bailouts and government reactions to lower le vels of economic post-bubble. Hence, although there is one currency for the region, pension plans and taxation remain different in the European countries.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The currency limits the states’ possibility to stand various financial problems. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider the policy in order to develop a more flexible system of single currency operating (Berend 2012). The consistency should be connected with integrating the single taxation scheme in all countries, as well as creating an optimal fiscal and pension systems for the population. Before developing a unified economic system, these problems should be solved by organizing international meetings and specialized committees that can scan the environment and highlight the most vulnerable areas of the EU economy. Rationale for the Action: Negotiations and Decisions Made After the 2009 crisis, the EU institutions have started working on a common legal instrument that could stabilize the financial situation in Europe by providing financial assistance to European countries experiencing serious economic difficulties. As a result, the European Financial Stability Facility was created in 2010 to stand the debt crisis through organizing specific funds to provide loans to the countries in need (James 2012). However, the development of new funds and reserves does not provide a viable solution to the problems of financial flexibility in the countries. The peculiarities of various economies, such as that of export-driven Germany and high-tax level France, create serious challenges for the European Community to strike the balance between single currency and fluctuations in taxes, fiscal policies and property issues. In addition, Hullett et al. (2010) supports the idea that the performance of the EU currency creates high unemployment rates, varied output, and investment growth problems. As a result, the performance of the euro undermines the efficiency of the single market development in practice.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Monetary Union of the European Union specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More With regard to the above-presented problems, non-action, superficial policy does not introduce improvements to the currency system and can even aggravate the situation (Fioramonti 2012). It is highly important for the EU to be more sensitive toward local markets through creating statistics centers and surveys evaluating the readiness of the countries to accept the single monetary system. The rational of this strategy is fully justified because the global market development in the European region is impossible without considering the specifics of local markets and financial systems. Background of the Situation Due to the financial instability and unequal access of the Eu ropean countries, there is a growing tendency in economic disintegration due to the absence of common fiscal practices that have great pressure on the European Community (Hanson et al. 2011). Therefore, the Euro was initially created to ensure financial integration of the European countries, but the massive financial difference between member states does not allow the countries to bailout the crisis that do not address the actual root of the problem. According to Hanson et al. (2011, p. 24), â€Å"the real concern now is with Spain and Italy†¦they are much larger economies and have far bigger debt than Greece, so if they default, the consequences will be dire for the Euro†. Further, the introduction of the European Central Bank has provided new problems to the EU monetary and economic integration. At a glance, the new financial reforms produce a number of improvements in terms of investment, employment, and growth.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, much deeper considerations provide the evidence distinction between long-termed and short-termed problems, including increased unemployment rates in some countries and increase in financial stability in other countries. At the beginning of the Euro formation, eleven countries has joined the union and accepted a single currency. However, their inflation levels were diverse and, as a result, the group was supported by the three best performed states – France, Austria, and Ireland. According to Welfens (2001, p. 4), â€Å"the costs of disinflation †¦ have leveled, and no further significant increase of unemployment should occur as expected and actual inflation rates have converged at a very low level†. In this respect, the history of euro formation shows that the problems occurred to local levels of economy were ignored by the community, which has led to diverse rates of integration (Buti and Sapir 2002). Monetary union focuses more on a global political dec ision according to which the selection criteria has not been premised on the optimum currency framework, but on the convergence criteria. The analysis of future perspectives of the EU commission requires reconsideration of the single currency system because it can become a problem for Britain in terms of exchange rate. In particular, there are a number of factors that undermine democracy system and budgeting principles. Democratization of the European currency, as well as the European Central Bank is crucial due to the deficiency in political system inconsistency. In addition, the Commission criticizes the EU government that acts illegally by ignoring the need to punish Germany and France for infringing the budget rules (Implications of the Euro: A Critical Perspective from the Left n. d.). The unequal treatment of countries of the EU is also connected with the inflexibility of the euro principles, as well as the role of ECB. In order to eliminate the problems, the local economies s hould be analyzed in more detail to face the requirements of the single area. Description of Possible Strategies for Reducing the Currency Inflexibility As it has been mentioned briefly, the main approach to reducing the unemployment rates and removing the diverse economic and financial rates in countries implies developing reforms that can introduce greater sensitivity to local markets to be ready to face challenges of diverse requirements and budgeting rules in various countries (Cline and Wolff, 2012). What is more important is that the currency should be congruent with the taxation systems in the countries. Certainly, modifying the taxation systems in countries undermines other financial and political spheres, but the introduction of a singly currency should not be premised on a one-dimensional approach. In fact, the policy should cover all spheres of country’s life, including social plans, budgeting, financial funding, investment, taxation system, and pension schemes (Cr edit Matters: The European debt crisis a solution? 2011). Lack of awareness can lead to even greater difficulties and economic disintegration. In order to the fight unemployment and unequal inflation rates, specific emphasis should be placed on developing new budget disciplines that could solve the problem of the deep crisis. In this respect, Sà ©gol (2012, p. 70) insists that the current paradigm for reducing the inflexibility implies â€Å"cutting pay and social welfare, attacking bargaining mechanisms and making employment contracts ultraflexible†. In this respect, there should be a relatively equal level of salaries and wages that can allow the governments to predict further complications and losses, as well as avoid inequality among the employees. Second, introducing the art of negotiation is crucial in all spheres of political control that should be assigned to a single political organ that regulates all financial transactions. As a result, the development of a common fiscal system would allow the EU to create a community where the crisis in one country will not affect the situation in other countries. In this respect, Fontevecchia (2012, p. 82) explains, â€Å"banks and pension funds in Europe can choose between many different sovereign bonds to operate, leading to a relocation of capital in times of stress that can put intense pressure on borrowing costs†. Absence of analogous institutions in countries, such as gilts in the UK do not have analogues in other countries, provides fewer restrictions on the borrowing costs. In this case, governments of the EU should actively participate in negotiating for price, tax levels, and wages (Baimbridge and Whyman 2003). It is also important for a government to establish a common system of informing the population about the shifts in prices. One the one hand, earlier stages of the funds relocation can cause serious protests on the part of the countries with greater financial opportunities. Therefore , they could be reluctant to cede their political and economic positions. On the other hand, the development of a strong European Community requires the acceptance of certain risks. Finally, focus on the root of the problem, rather than on its cause, can allow the European Union. In this respect, Adams (2012) asserts that the Greece crisis has becomes the starting point of the debt challenge. In addition, the researcher argues that the fall of tax revenues, as well as social safety net, does not contribute to the debt reduction (Barston 2006). On the contrary, focus on the local market should be confined to total rejection of the previous currency and price rates and absolute penetration to the EU space. Hence, the member states should accept a genuine political union, with permanent transition of independence from the country’s capitals to the center of the European community. The Implications of the Action Regulating local budgets and reducing deficit spending should be inc luded into future EU treaties because they can ensure closer economic union among the member states. However, these regulations have already been violated by the Great Britain with the Czech Republic and Hungary. The reluctance to obey the established rules is explained by the desire of power-states to establish dictatorship. Hence, historic circumstances play a crucial role in strengthening the political and economic positions of such countries as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Austria. However, the European Union implies the development of relatively equal opportunities for all the participants (Buttsowrth n. d.). As a result, the governments should reconsider the issue of power to be able to compromise. Further, the Greek crisis proves that the problems in a separate region have a tangible impact on other participants and, therefore, the necessity for creating a single political organ regulating financial and economic issues is crucial (Lynn 2010). In particular, the cr eated equality in access to the financial resources, as well as stable pricing policy, will eliminate further rises in currency devaluation in the country. Conclusion The development of UE monetary system ensuring the flow of the single current in Europe ensures greater exchange of good, services and people. Moreover, it simplifies the transport system control and allows the EU members to freely move from one country to another. However, apart from the proposed advantages there are a number of shortcomings of the policy, such as unemployment rates, inflexibility, and diverse tax levels in countries. In this respect, the proposed strategy refers to the analysis of local markets and absolute transition to an absolute currency system. Stabilizing tax payments and introducing relatively equal wages provide a new platform for the EU development. These recommendations should lead to ensure successful transition to a single market system. Reference List Adams, T 2012, When Greece Exits The Euro, Coloradobiz, 39, 7, p. 10. Baimbridge, M and Whyman, P 2003, Economic and Monetary Union in Europe: Theory and Practice. Edward Elgar Publishing, UK. Barston, RP 2006, Modern Diplomacy, Pearson Education, London. Berend, I 2012, Europe in Crisis: Bolt from the Blue?, Routledge, New York. Buti, M, and Sapir A 2002, Economic and Monetary Union and Economic Policy in Europe, Edward Elgar Publishing, UK. Buttsowrth, M n. d., Democracy and Debt – the European Debt Crisis, Mat Buttsworth, US. Cline, WR, and Wolff, G 2012, Resolving the European Debt Crisis, Peterson Institute, US. Credit Matters: The European debt crisis a solution? 2011, Euroweek, 1209, p. 82. Fioramonti, L 2012, Regions and Crises: New Challenges for Contemporary Regionalisms, Palgrave Macmillan, US. Fontevecchia, A 2012, How to Solve Europes Sovereign Debt Crisis, SocGen Style, Forbes.Com, p. 24. Hanson, G, Kovacs, R, Lanham, P 2011, The global economy lessons learned, Money Management, 25, 31, p. 24. Hullett, AJH, Mooslechner, P, and Schurz, M 2010, Challenges for Economic Policy Coordination within European Monetary, Springer, New York. Implications of the Euro: A Critical Perspective from the Left n. d., Routledge, New York. James, H 2012, Making the European Monetary Union, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, US. Lynn, M 2010, Bust: Greece, the Euro and the Sovereign Debt Crisis, John Wiley Sons, US. Sà ©gol, B 2012, Towards growth and a social contract for Europe, OECD Observer, 290/291, pp. 70-71. Welfens, PJ 2001, European Monetary Union and Exchange Rate Dynamics: New Approaches and Application to the Euro. Springer, New York.

MENTAL HEALTH CHILDREN Professor Ramos Blog

MENTAL HEALTH CHILDREN You come home from a long day at work and the only thing that you look forward to  is seeing that big smile and little arms thrown around you. However when you get home they seem reserved as if something is on there mind that may be bothering them. Yet you brush it aside thinking that maybe its just a â€Å"Phase† or just a kid being a kid but thats where we go wrong we assume everything is ok and never take action. What you may be experiencing are the early signs of your child dealing with mental illness. In this we are going to explain what mental illness is in children , symptoms, treatment and what parents can do in the case of their child being diagnosed with it.   Now the talk of mental illnesses is very new in which some people still believe that it made up and all in there head . Therefore they yet to fully grasp the understanding of   mental health is not only in adults but in children as well. The full definition of mental health coming from Mental Health . gov says â€Å"Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. †(Mental Health.gov ).   Just as we take care of our bodies physically by going to the doctors, dentist and optometrist we often overlook the most important one and thats your mental health. As in adults they are able to communicate what they are feeling and have self realization that something may not be all right. Furthermore, thats not the case with children they dont fully understand what is going on and may have a difficult time trying to explain how they may feel. You cant blame the parents or the children because we simply dont have a better understanding of mental health, especi ally in our youth. So how do we go about figuring out how to better help our children and even ourselves in identifying common traits and symptoms that could lead to catching it early on? Well not all mental illnesses are the same and range in a variety of different forms from ADHD, depression, Bipolar disorder and so on. However detecting the common symptoms early we can help to raise any red flags in which can take your child to a specialist. Coming from Mayo clinic it states â€Å"Mood changes, intense feelings,behavior changes, difficulty concentrating and physical symptoms†(mayo clinic). These are the most common symptoms found and should be taken seriously rather than brush it away since most of these dont have any   physical symptoms. Besides pointing out what has been already stated another way to point out anyareas of concern is to talk to them although they may not be able to fully put together what they are feeling it helps to create an open environment in the case your child did come to you with any concerns they wont feel embarrassed to express what they feel. This is typically in boys since the big stigma is, is that they are not supposed to share their feelings and this could lead to them having repressing feelings and will be harder for them to open up or understand that this is a serious issue. Do not lose hope because now in modern medicine we are able to start to put together treatments in order to help treat those who are diagnosed with mental illnesses.   Depending on how severe the issue is different forms of treatment include prescription medication, therapy, and even support groups. One of the most common would be the medication the doctor gives once they have diagnosed your child with the specified conditions. Unfortunately there is no one pill that can help to fix all problems but the medication is broken into groups of stimulants and depressants. For example, in one article it says â€Å" Prozac and sertraline are classified as depressants and Ritalin,adderall are classified as stimulants†(mednet). The anti- depressants help children with depression and various forms of anxiety by helping to balance out there serotonin levels in the brain. As for the stimulants they typically help with children who have ADHD by treating it with ritalin you would assume that it would make it worse but it has the opposite effect on people with ADHD. Another form of treatment would be to take your child to therapy and also a psychologist to help them understand whats going on. A specialized personnel like this can offer different ways of going about having a condition and offers the child a confidential person to talk to. Although medication and therapy are great forms of treatment they are pretty pricey for those that are low on income. So an alternative form of therapy is the practice of meditation lindsay cates article getting kids help in time says â€Å"Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a proven way to curb sad thoughts. Apps like Headspace and Happify walk teens through relaxation exercises and breathing techniques, or can target specific things like reducing worry and building relationships.† (getting kids help in time). Not only will this cut costs on expensive treatments but as a parent you and your child can both benefit from it and also offers a great opportunity to bond. As a recurring statement that shows thought this is the involvement of the parents and what you could do to help at least improve the situation for your child and yourself. Your involvement in your childs life whether it is at school or in the household has a very important role in your childs mental state. An example of this comes from a study that was in rhode island and the result showed â€Å"Among Rhode Island children, nearly 1 (19.0%) in 5 had mental health problems, 1 (15.6%) in 6 lived with a highly stressed parent, and one third (32.7%) had parents with low involvement†.(Childrens Mental Health and Family Functioning in Rhode Island.) Just by implementing a more positive environment in the household paired along with the involvement in the childs life can truly impact them in a positive way. The second form of parental involvement would be to get involved in your childs schooling. They spend a majority of the time in school with their teacher and fellow peers that   can also affect their mental health as well. Neil humphery says in his article â€Å"School is a primary developmental context after the family (Bronfenbrenner, 2005), in which socialisation of emotions, behaviour and relationships occurs; thus, they are clearly more than, ‘merely convenient sites for prevention and intervention’ (O’Toole, 2017, p.455)†(Are the Kids Alright?). This is where your child will learn and a place to develop who they are simply by building relationships with their teachers can help give you an insight of how they are behaving at school. In conclusion we looked at the common red flags symptoms to look out for , treatment and the steps you can take as a parent to help aid in your childs mental health. Just because they may appear to be okay at face surface we all face internal struggles and the way we take action as parents can help in the process for your child.  Ã‚   Works cited   Cates, Lindsay. â€Å"Getting Kids Help in Time.† Ebscohost, 11 Sept. 2018. Dryden-Edwards, Roxanne. â€Å"Mental Illness in Children: Signs, Types, Causes.† MedicineNet, medicinenet.com/mental_illness_in_children/article.htm. Humphery, Neil. â€Å"Are the Kids Alright? Examining the Intersection between Education and Mental Health.† Vol. 42, no. 1, 2018, pp. 4–16. Ebscohost. Hyun, et al, â€Å"Childrens Mental Health and Family Functioning in Rhode Island.† Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 Feb. 2007,   pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/Supplement_1/S22.abstract. â€Å"What Is Mental Health?† What Is Mental Health? | MentalHealth.gov, mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health. â€Å"Worried about Changes in Your Childs Mood or Behavior?† Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Mar. 2018, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577.   

Gun safety Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gun safety - Essay Example Top scoring shooters who are likewise nationals of the USA can work their path to the top, and on the off chance that they meet the prerequisites of International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Shooting Sports Foundation (ISSF), and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), they could be selected for the US Shooting Team (USST). There are two essential sorts of compressed air firearm ammo; pellets and Bbs. Pellets weigh significantly short of what gun shots, which make the striking vitality considerably less. They are formed from delicate lead and most are hour-glass molded which provides for them expanded soundness in flight. They are intended for each compressed air firearm and arrive in a mixture of head shapes. Pellets may be shot in either smoothbore or rifled barrels, not at all like Bbs which ought to be discharged just through smoothbore barrels. Pellet quality is second in imperativeness just to the general nature of the compressed air firearm itself. In rivalry, the .177 gauge is viewed as standard. This is accurate in different sorts of rivalry, from the BB firearm through the Olympic-evaluation air rifles and guns. There are four fundamental sorts of pellets: woodcutter, utilized for paper target rivalry; pointed, intended for field use, generating more dynamic vitality for entrance; empty point, utilized for shape rivalry and field utilize; and round nose, acknowledged for any use requiring thump down force. The round BB is the most well known compressed air firearm ammo and is created out of either steel or lead. Firearm safety is essential for any holder or client of a BB weapon or pellet firearm. Adolescent shooters must be managed by an educated grown-up at whatever point utilizing the weapon. Grown-ups and kids ought to deliberately read and see all guidelines that accompany their compressed air firearm, and comprehend the correct safe

Supply chain management - Co op Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Supply chain management - Co op - Essay Example Recently, a food miles calculator has been developed in order to measure the distance traveled by the food products between production and consumption points (Food miles calculator). While discussing the food miles concept on the ground of a co-op supply chain management, it is necessary to understand the basic goal of such organisations. A co-op organisation aims to offer maximum benefits to its customers by emphasising on its pre-designed environmental and ethical notions. Hence, it is essential to examine whether the application of food miles would beneficial for the co-op organisations or not. This paper will critically analyse the pros and corns of incorporating the idea of food miles into the corporate strategy. It will also explore the most appropriate stance the co-op can adopt in order to improve its business operation. Benefits of adopting food miles Through the application of food miles in its corporate strategy, the co-op supermarket can offer improved levels of services to its customer as well as to different segments of the society. Globalisation has eliminated international trade barriers in order to maximise cross-border trade for international expansion. Hence, the world has been facilitated with effective circulation of ideas, languages, and cultural ideologies. Naturally, this trade liberalisation process has also intensified import and export of goods which are the central aspects of food miles. Globalisation has largely increased the scope of agricultural sector. It is obvious that large scale agricultural productions cannot be fully distributed in the domestic market; hence, it is crucial to export the food products to foreign markets where they have higher demands. This process would greatly assist the farmers to get improved prices for their products from outside markets. When farmers get better prices for their food products, more and more people would be attracted towards agriculture field and it would in turn mitigate the issues assoc iated with global food crisis. Similarly, higher rate of agricultural production would aid the economies to minimize unemployment rate which is a central factor in determining their economic growth rate. The increased export trade would also generate revenue for the governments. As discussed earlier, the main objective of a co-operative supermarket is to provide improved services to its customers. Since it is impossible to produce every type of vegetable, fruit, or other food product in a region, every co-op supermarket is forced to depend on import trade in order to offer every type of food product to its customers. In the words of Lovejoy (2001), the supply chain principles suggest to extend the firm’s services beyond the immediate supplier and customer. The concept of food miles assists the co-op supermarket to deliver varieties of fruits and vegetables to its consumers by getting access to a large group of potential suppliers. If the co-op supermarket stops the practice o f food miles, then consumers may search for other stores that would meet their requirements. Demerits of adopting food miles The environmental concern of food miles reflects the idea that when a food product travels larger distance from the production point to consumption, it involves greater consumption of energy and thereby increased emission of greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide absorb and emit infrared radiations which cause dreadful environmental issues such as green

About positive message Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

About positive message - Essay Example The grooming of the workforce is a win-win situation. It is a strategy which will not only benefit the organization but it will also help the employees to improve their market worth which can be cashed on later. There are some rules and regulation while taking any course. These rules and regulations must be followed by the employees so that they can get maximum benefits without any hindrance. Employees are entitled to receive scholarship for those courses which are related to their current job. Initially the courses are being offered for the permanent employees however we also believe that our temporary workers will try to work hard to get the status of permanent employee so that they can also make their market worth through these courses. Tuition fee is considered as one of the major chunk of any study. Therefore the organization has already made an arrangement for it and we hope that employees will make the arrangement for other expenses like books and stationary at their own expense. Grade ‘C’ will be considered as a mandatory requirement for the reimbursement of approved applications of the employees. Temporary employees can take some benefits from the scholarship after the completion of their probationary period with the company. Employees interested in under-graduate programs will be better of since the undergraduate programs are not taxed as per the rules of the taxation. There are very few organizations that care about the workforce to such an extent. However we also believe that these facilities are not only benefiting the employees but such a grooming is also enhancing the goodwill of the organization. We believe that employees should consider it as a life time opportunity and try to give maximum time to their courses after the completion of their work. Work experience can not benefit alone. Many HR managers expect that employees should keep themselves up to date with the latest developments related to their field. For example if

Analyzing a firm's current financing choices Assignment

Analyzing a firm's current financing choices - Assignment Example Walt Disney is one of the largest entertainment companies in the world. It was founded by two brothers Walt and Ray in 1923 with an initial objective of being a cartoon animation network. Since then the company has grown to become one of the largest studios of Hollywood. In addition, this company is one of the Dow Jones industrial average components. Finally, the company has expanded over the years and currently it has a number of subsidiaries e.g. Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disney. (disney.com,2008) From the balance sheet, we find the company has a common stock of 3.6 billion authorized shares with a par value of $0.1. From the authorized 2.6 billion shares were issued on 29th march, 2008 and 29th September, 2007. This makes the value of the company’s equity to be $26.546billion. In addition, the company has a preferred stock of 100 million authorized shares with a par value of $0.1. Walt Disney has not issued any of its preferred stock yet. There are significant differences between preferred stock and common stock. They include; On the other hand, for Walt Disney to fully finance its operations it has to have long-term and short-term debts. The long term debts include differed income taxes, borrowings, minority interests, and other unspecified long-term liabilities. To maintain short-term cash flow the company also has the following short-term debts; account payables and other unspecified accrued liabilities, current portion of borrowings and finally unearned royalties and other advances. Walt Disney like any other big company in United States has treasury stock of 780.3 million shares by 29th march, 2008. This is the stock that has been repurchased by the corporation from the public. The stock must be issued first, purchased by the public and paid for subsequently reacquired by the corporation, and cancelled or reissued. Treasury stock is not entitled to participate in dividend distribution and finally it does not have

Zadie Smith's White Teeth Identity and Progress Essay

Zadie Smith's White Teeth Identity and Progress - Essay Example Joshua supports the environmental group FATE, while his own father supports the genetically-produced FutureMouse. Samad’s twin sons, Magid and Millat, also believe in different goals; the eldest is one with Marcus and his scientific future, while Millat embraces a fundamentalist view of religion and society. White Teeth argues that people build relationships based on their inner preferences and external pressures on life and their differences will perpetually clash, but they have to accept that as part of human identity and progress. People are born to be different in ideas and beliefs, because of their own choices in life and external influences on the development of their human identity. The novel includes three generations that intersects the â€Å"themes of heritage and family history† (Chernysheva 3). Every generation has important questions that they wish to answer. For Samad, he wants to conserve history, which he also does through promoting the myth of his great -grandfather, whose role in Indian history is not entirely reliable. Archie also feels the same nostalgia for the past. His so-called war wound is not real, because he put it on himself. Despite this self-inflicted wound, Archie creates a memory of the war with a strong sense of â€Å"self-defensiveness† (Chernysheva 3). Samad and Archie essentially promote a traditional approach to history and identity formation. They repeat their wartime concerns, where they usually find people forgetting the war, as if it is not important. These best friends, nevertheless, do everything to preserve their fabricated history of the war. Samad comes from a generation that sees history in a linear relationship, where every action has a consequence (Chernysheva 3). He supports the notions of karma and fate. Clara’s mother, Hortense, has the same views but for her, religion has become a different lens from which she makes sense of history. The generation of the youngest characters experie nce and see the future in diverse prisms and for different expectations and goals. The Iqbal twins believe in conflicting values. Magid, who lives most of adolescent life in Bangladesh, returns to England with a more Westernized view than the English themselves, while Millat finds truth and peace in fundamentalist religion. Samad is disappointed that Magid becomes more ultra-Westernized, when he planned for him to continue their traditions. The twins follow extremes ideologies that threaten to break their family apart. Irie has her own personal struggles. She is divided between her volunteer work in Africa and an occupation as a dentist and also faces diverse choices for hairdos and weight-loss plans. Irie’s child, however, bears the consequences of Irie’s choices (Chernysheva 3). The demolition of the Berlin Wall represents the demolition of obstacles to individual freedoms and differences (Chernysheva 3). Traditions versus modernity clash in influencing human progres s and identity. Samad â€Å"moves between positions of authority and deauthorisation or subordination† (Gustar 335). He wants to impose his authority, but he does not have any power over his own family. He exaggerates his claims regarding his life, but he is â€Å"also emasculated by a radicalized discourse in an ethnocentric culture that often treats him as subaltern† (Gustar 335). Ironically, he spreads lies about his heritage that only makes him smaller as a person, since he cannot achieve the same level of greatness. Since he cannot control his life, he applies power chiefly over his family and children and even uses kidnapping to send his elder child to Bangladesh (Gustar 335). He does this because he knows that in the end, his

Analyzing a firm's current financing choices Assignment

Analyzing a firm's current financing choices - Assignment Example Walt Disney is one of the largest entertainment companies in the world. It was founded by two brothers Walt and Ray in 1923 with an initial objective of being a cartoon animation network. Since then the company has grown to become one of the largest studios of Hollywood. In addition, this company is one of the Dow Jones industrial average components. Finally, the company has expanded over the years and currently it has a number of subsidiaries e.g. Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disney. (disney.com,2008) From the balance sheet, we find the company has a common stock of 3.6 billion authorized shares with a par value of $0.1. From the authorized 2.6 billion shares were issued on 29th march, 2008 and 29th September, 2007. This makes the value of the company’s equity to be $26.546billion. In addition, the company has a preferred stock of 100 million authorized shares with a par value of $0.1. Walt Disney has not issued any of its preferred stock yet. There are significant differences between preferred stock and common stock. They include; On the other hand, for Walt Disney to fully finance its operations it has to have long-term and short-term debts. The long term debts include differed income taxes, borrowings, minority interests, and other unspecified long-term liabilities. To maintain short-term cash flow the company also has the following short-term debts; account payables and other unspecified accrued liabilities, current portion of borrowings and finally unearned royalties and other advances. Walt Disney like any other big company in United States has treasury stock of 780.3 million shares by 29th march, 2008. This is the stock that has been repurchased by the corporation from the public. The stock must be issued first, purchased by the public and paid for subsequently reacquired by the corporation, and cancelled or reissued. Treasury stock is not entitled to participate in dividend distribution and finally it does not have

London Guide Book Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

London Guide Book - Essay Example You can get pretty much any drink from a giant skull head filled with punch to a volcano that erupts with your favorite drink of choice. Also a restaurant, Tonteria really has it all. A phenomenal DJ, a good crowd, great drinks and food. Sounds like the perfect Monday to me. A gentlemen’s club? A speak easy? A place for happy endings? To most passersby, La Bodega Negra can mislead anyone. The exterior’s effervescent neon signage displays â€Å"Adult Video† and â€Å"Peep Show†, concealing the exciting restaurant within. With its Mexican street cuisine and the provocative feel of the interiors, the place caters to all your senses. A perfect place for after-work drinks or a full-fledged feast with friends, La Bodega Negra never fails to bring the fun atmosphere, no matter what day of the week it may be. With its impressive menu of cocktails, with special emphasis on its array of specialty tequilas, it may be in your best interest to also peruse the impressive list of tapas and

Peoples behavior Essay Example for Free

Peoples behavior Essay Whenever I encounter any person from another culture, I am often struck by how much that person represents and is different from the idea I have of that culture. Particularly if the idea I have of that culture’s person is seen from his perspective. A recent conversation with a student of Japanese ancestry highlighted to me this realization. When I first saw him, I assumed that he would speak English with an accent or with some difficulty. To my surprise, it turned out that he was a native English speaker having been born in the United States. Sharing the experience with a friend, she related to me that one of her acquaintances who was born in Hong Kong who had difficulty with being understood in English because of a difference in accent despite having English as a first language. These incidents are prime examples of how cultural stereotypes. Considering the number of foreign students alone, many universities and other social institutions should be developing the competencies to accommodate their communication and cultural assimilation needs. Like in the article written by Brink Lindsey in 2007 titled The Culture Gap for the Cato Institute, culture, statistically and in practice, is an issue that is asserting itself significantly. Without these measures, many people are liable to have negative experiences associated with cultural difference which can motivate them to be ashamed or defensive about their heritage. Having had my own positive and negative experience in being associated with my culture, I know first hand the need to understand culture on an individual level. It has been very helful too that my recent experience with other cultures has been positive and has allowed me to constructively learn from the experience. Had it been otehrwiese, I can easily see myself to develop negative concepts regarding Japanese or Chinese cultures since I believe in positive reinforcement. More than anything else, communication ad technology is creating new dimensions to cultural exposure and exchange. Many of the stereotypes we have of cultures is being challenged not so much because of changes in these cultures itself. Even more importantly, I realize that my culture influences what I see in other in the same way that other peoples cultural backgrounds influence what they see in me.

Power Politics And Change In Social Work Social Work Essay

Power Politics And Change In Social Work Social Work Essay Following a referral to childrens social care, the local authority has a statutory obligation to consider whether there are concerns about impairment to the childs health and development or the child is suffering harm which justifies an initial assessment to establish whether this child is a child in need (HM Government 2010: 5.34). Regardless of the length and breath of the case itself, assessments have to be completed within set statutory timescales. An initial assessment has to be completed within 10 working days and core assessments within 35 working days. This essay proposes that removing current distinction between initial and core assessment and the associated fixed statutory timescales for their completion will improve the quality of assessment reports completed by childrens social workers. A development of a single assessment form to replace initial and core assessment form would give social workers additional time to reflect and review historical information collated and collaborate with other agencies before completing the assessment thus improving practice. Although it is acknowledged that there may be challenges in implementing this proposal, this essay pre-empts that this change would give social workers greater opportunities to complete direct work with children and incorporate their views and feelings into the assessment (Munro and Lushey 2012). In the view of the above proposal, the essay explores the influence of the wider national and European policy agenda on the change proposed and explores some of the potential challenges from social work context which may impact on the implementation of the proposed changes. Finally, drawing on Change Theory, I critically discuss how my proposal could be implemented, meeting the challenges previously identified. But first, initial and core assessments are defined. An initial assessment is a brief assessment completed on each child referred to the local authority within a maximum of 10 working days of the referral date. Where necessary, it determines whether the child is in need; whether there is reasonable reason to suspect that the child is suffering or likely to suffer from significant harm; whether the child requires any services and if so what types; finally, a recommendation is made whether a more detailed core assessment should be undertaken (HM Government 2010: 5.36). The meaning of need is explored under section 17 of the Children Act 1989. A child is said to be in need if: [He] is unlikely to reach or maintain a satisfactory level of health or development, or [his] health and development will be significantly impaired without the provision of servicesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦[or he] is disabled, (HM Government 1989). Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 places a duty on local authorities to make enquires when there is a reasonable cause to believe that a child who is found or lives in their municipality is suffering, or likely to suffer from significant harm. A completion of the core assessment is the means in which a section 47 enquiry is initiated and should be completed within 35 working days. In these circumstances, the aim of the local authority is to determine what form of intervention is required to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child (Ibid; Brown et al. 2012). A core assessment refers to an in-depth assessment which addresses key aspects of a childs needs. This assessment may be completed at different junctures depending on the childs needs; an existing child protection concern is not a requirement (Brown et al 2012). According to Department for Education (2011) 40% of core assessments bare no relation to section 47 enquiries. Harm under section 31(9) of the Children Act 1989 is defined as ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development; development means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development; health means physical or mental health; and ill-treatment includes sexual abuse and forms of ill-treatment which are not physical (HM Government 1989). Completion of both an initial and core assessment has to be undertaken in accordance with Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families (DOH 2000) and information regarding childrens needs should be obtained within the three general domains of that form the assessment triangle: the childs developmental needs; the parents and/or caregivers ability to respond to those needs; and wider family and environmental factors (HM Government 2010: 5.36, 5.62; Turney et al. 2011). Current statutory guidance on the completion of initial and core assessments are criticised for the following reasons: Firstly, imposition of a rigid timescale means that there is little time for social workers to meaningfully engage with children. This drive to meet performance targets may thus be at the expense of the quality of assessments, engagement with children and families and multi-agency collaboration with professionals (Hawkes 2005; Holland 2010; Munro and Lushey 2012). Secondly, current statutory assessment timescales are unrealistic especially the 10 working days set for the completion of initial assessment. It does not take into account that there might be some difficulties in engaging with certain families and assessments may as a result be form-led rather than needs led (Horwarth 2002). Turney et al. (2011) argued that the pressure to meet statutory timeframes set for initial and core assessment may lead to the developments of short cuts which may provide latent conditions for error and in turn increase the risk factors posed to vulnerable children. An assessment which is child-centred contains thorough, concise and accurate information; includes chronological information about family and wider history and makes good use of information from a wide net of sources is considered a good assessment (Turney et al 2011). A good assessment is crucial in improving outcomes for children as it can contribute to maintaining the welfare of children by preventing delays in the provision of support and services. Despite the Assessment Frameworks copious guidance in completing good assessment, (DOH 2000) research evidence continues to highlight on-going concerns of social workers assessment analysis (Dalzell and Sawyer 2007). Holland (2010) contends that strict imposition of tight timescales combined with high caseloads does not allow for in-depth analysis through critical reflection of available evidence. The need for the proposed change Replacing child in need initial and core assessment timescales with a single assessment form and removing fixed statutory timescales for the completion of initial and core assessment will improve quality of childrens social workers practice and increase the scope for practitioners to exercise their professional judgement. Although the single assessment forms will still retain the structure of Framework of the Assessment of Children in Needs and their Families (DOH 2000), it is hoped that this development will allow social workers to exercise their professional judgement about what information to record. Research studies and enquiries into child deaths and analysis of serious case reviews consistently report that the quality of social workers assessment reports have at times fallen short of the expected standard particularly in the following areas: failure to engage with the child, differential thresholds, inadequacies in information gathering, shortcomings in critical analysis, and shortfalls in inter-professional working (Turney et al. 2011). Whilst it is acknowledged that the implementation of a single assessment form may not necessarily eradicate some of the shortcomings of the current assessment forms highlighted above, it is hoped that removing timescales for completing assessment will improve quality of completed reports by creating an environment where workers are under less stress to extract all information during the first visit to the family and thus more attention can be paid on what is happening for the child. Moreover, reducing prescription concerning timescales would enable social workers to arrange to meet with children and families at a convenient time for the family rather than at short notice to meet statutory timescales. For cases whereby parents are reluctant to engage in services or cases where there are linguistic or cultural barriers to overcome, flexibility in timescales can be used as a mechanism to improve practice (Munro and Lushey 2011). Collaborative working relationship between social care services and families is essential in promoting the welfare of the child (DOH 2010). Having sufficient time to work at the childs pace is therefore crucial to improving practice. Moreover, assessments may take longer if family members have special needs which have to be met so that they can meaningfully contribute to assessment (Holland 2010). Whilst there is a need for assessments not to lose focus and direction, assessments need to be completed jointly by both social worker and the family within a context which takes into account issues of power, inequality and discrimination. Lack of flexibility within assessment is almost inevitably going to come at the cost of key principles such as partnership and empowerment. Hawkes (2005) suggests that there is just as much evidence about the impact of partnership and empowerment upon the outcomes of children as there is for the need to prevent delay and drift in assessment which may be c aused by flexibility measures of assessments. Influence of wider national and European policy agenda The need for a thorough assessment of children and families where there are child protection concerns is a key focus of many national policies in the UK. The Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families (DOH 2000) for example acknowledges that improving assessment process is a critical aspect in improving social work practice with service users and ensuring multi-agency working. Although the framework offers guidance to social workers on how to meet the needs of children through a comprehensive process of assessment leading to action, its imposition of rigid timescales to complete assessments challenges some of the principles of the Children Act 1989. The guidance fails to take into account that the time it may take longer to engage with some families who may be initially hostile towards intervention. Moreover, due to lack of time to engage fully with children, social workers may be unable to ascertain and incorporate the childs feelings into assessment (Calder 2003). Similarly, the importance of timely and clear assessment was highlighted in Lord Laming report into the death of eight year old Victoria Climbie (DOH 2003). Lord Lamings enquiry led to the implementation of Children Act 2004 which emphasised the need for improve outcomes for all children. For children who come into attention of social services, these outcomes could be explored further in assessments. These outcomes are: being healthy, staying safe, making a positive contribution; and achieving economic wellbeing (HM Government 2004). As well as national policies, international legislations including the European Convention on Human Rights Act (1998) and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) influenced the proposed change as enshrined within these legislations is the need to protect child and their interests (ECHR 1998:Article1, 2; UNCRC 1989: Article 2, 3, 12) and advocating for a single assessment form is a means of ensuring childrens voices remain the central focus of assessments. Potential challenges from the wider social work context which could impact on the implementation of the proposed changes Although this essay has highlighted some of the potential benefits of having a single assessment form and removing fixed statutory timescales, some potential challenges which could impact on the implementation of the proposed changes are critically discussed here. First, increased flexibility concerning timescales does not necessarily mean that the potential benefits discussed previously will be realised because a key aspect in realising these benefits largely depends on the skill and capacity of individual social worker and wider organisational contexts in which they are working. Although the aim of a flexible timescale was proposed in this essay to enhance social workers understanding of childrens needs, should the proposal be implemented, some social workers may use it as an excuse to postpone complex decisions (Turney et al. 2011). Secondly, in the absence of timescales social workers may spend longer time completing assessments. Whilst it is acknowledged that the more information gathered, the longer it may take to analyse, however, in the absence of additional staffing, the extra time social workers are seemingly spending on direct work with children and families may place greater demands on the team. This in turn may lead to the following: longer working hours to compensate for the additional time spent on assessments; prioritising child protection cases which may result in delay and drift in cases, which based on the presenting issues appear less serious; or changes to the threshold for intervention (Broadhurst et al. 2010; Holmes et al. 2010). The effect of such challenges may therefore inhibit workers ability to conduct additional visits, engage in more direct work with families and therefore undermining the intended aim of the single assessment proposal (Monro and Lushey 2012). Change Theory Change is inevitable; it can be threatening, disruptive and difficult to manage as it involves adapting to new settings, working practices or personal circumstances (Hayes 2010). Although one of the core values of a social worker is to advocate for change on behalf of their service users (Dolgoff et al. 2008) as a profession, it has been quite resistant to change (Munson 2012). Whilst there is no standard formula in managing change, there is a body of useful theories which that can help analyse how to manage the challenges of change in order to improve on practice and ensure better outcomes for service users. Here, I draw on Kurt Lewins(1951) theory of change and discuss how developing a single assessment form to replace current initial and core assessment forms can be implemented meeting some of the challenges previously identified. Lewin (1951) argued that implementing change involves managing competing forces and actively facilitating the driving forces to achieve the desired change while seeking to reduce or eliminate restraining forces (Russell and Russell 2006). In the first step of his three step change model, Lewin contends that to implement change, change leaders will need to unfreeze the status quo. Individuals who will be affected by the change must be led to recognise why the change is necessary (Griffin and Moorhead 2011). Next, the change itself is implemented. Finally, refreezing involves reinforcing and supporting the change so it becomes a part of the system. Using Lewins model, the first step (unfreezing) implementing my proposed change would involve convincing Michael Gove, current Secretary of State for Education to grant local authorities dispensation of Working together to Safeguard children guidance because of its capability to improve social work practice with children and families. After this unfreezing is accomplished, a pilot scheme conducted with several local authorities analysing the likely impact of implementing my proposed change on practice will be introduced. If the results of the pilot scheme are positive, the scheme will be rolled out nationally (implementation). Following implementation, regular training, robust supervision and support systems will be introduced to support social workers in writing assessments (refreezing) in order to meet challenges previously identified. As influential as Lewins model of change is, some critics have argued that the model is too rigid and assumes change occurs in static steps. It is argued that Lewins theory lacks the flexibility required to fit with the chaotic process of change (Longo 2011). In relation to my proposed change, Lewins theory fails to.. Similarly, Williams et al. (2002) argue that whilst Lewins model of change is useful in conceptualising how to bring about change, it fails to explore how what causes individuals to accept or resist change. Similarly to Lewin (1951), Beckhard and Harris (1987) change model provide a useful analogy of what motivates individuals to change. They argue that for change to happen, the forces of change must outweigh the perceived costs of change (in terms of emotions, energy financial costs etc). Beckhard and Harris suggest that to successfully implement change, individuals need to be convinced that the present is problematic; individuals need to perceive desirable vision of the future and that there is a means of achieving it (Williams et al. 2002). Although this model is valuable to understanding how to manage planned change, similarly to Lewins (1951) theory, Beckhard and Harris (1987) also assume that that there is a logical, linear process to achieving change. Burke (2002) argues that in practice, planned change occurs in a spiral fashion rather in a linear line as suggested by both Lewin and Beckhard and Harris. According to Deutsch et al. (2006) there are many unintended and unanticipat ed consequences which may affect and be affected by planned, change efforts and neither of the change theories discussed above explore this in depth. Whilst a change in current policy of how initial and core assessment are being completed may appear irrational, a recommendation for such change was recently proposed by Eileen Munro in The Munro Review of Child Protection (Munro 2011). The Secretary of State for Education granted eight local authorities (Hackney, Knowsley, Cumbria, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth and Islington) between March and September 2011 permission to carry out flexible assessment practices. Although a vast majority of social workers and managers were in favour of the single frame assessment form and findings from the pilot study reported that flexibility of assessment timescales improved practice and quality of assessments (Munro and Lushey 2012), this proposal has yet to be implemented nationally. This recommendation is good example of some of the challenges implementing change. As simply put by Chaudry et al. (1994) a good idea that is very difficult to implement is, after all not that good an idea. In conclusion, this essay has highlighted some of the potential benefits of developing a single assessment form which replaces current initial and core assessments and the associated fixed timescales for their completion when completing assessments children. Whilst this essay acknowledges that implementation of the proposal does not necessarily guarantee improvement in the quality of assessments produced by social workers or the amount of direct work completed with children and families, it is felt this flexibility in timescale will enhance social work practice with children (Munro 2011). Importance of supporting social workers via training and adequate supervision was also acknowledged in ensuring completed assessments are of good standard. As well has exploring the influence of national and European policy agenda on the proposed change, the essay also critically analysed how the proposal could be implemented drawing on Lewins (1991) model of change.

Risks and Responsibilities of Coaching Swimming Essay -- Swimming Coac

Risks and Responsibilities of Coaching Swimming Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The purpose of this paper is to look at the area of risk management with reference to the sport of swimming. There is no doubt that the ability to prevent any types of injury to athletes is of the utmost importance. The safety of the athletes should therefore be the primary concern of both facility managers and coaches. By working together, one would hope, that all unnecessary injuries could be prevented.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most severe injuries that can occur is that of a spinal injury. The area of prevention that addresses this issue is that of spinal injury management and it will be looked at more closely later in this paper. Even with all the extra emphasis in this day and age on safety issues, these kinds of injuries are still far too prevalent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1996, Michael Berger and Judith Middleton state that in the United Kingdom, there are around 40,000 children each year that suffer from head injuries. Some of these individuals will have received severe injuries, in that they will have been unconscious for at least 20 minutes and so will most likely have suffered brain damage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The sport of swimming has the obvious danger of drowning. There are also potential risks of spinal injuries caused by collisions with the floor of the pool, the walls in the pool and other swimmers. Many other injuries can be the result of a slippery deck or training equipment not correctly stored away. There is also a risk of injury from the chemicals which are present at a pool such as chlorine. Risk Management   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aquatic injury prevention should be part of any facilities risk management program. Risk management involves identifying and reducing dangerous conditions that can cause injuries and financial loss. Thus, the aim of a risk management is in a way a kind of preventative medicine, to tackle the issue of a problem thus ensuring that those kinds of accidents will not occur. There are some that would contend that those individuals that suffer an injury are unfortunate victims of circumstance. Many injuries can be avoided through an understanding of the factors that can cause injuries to occur and then a knowledge of how to go about preventing such situations to occur.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charles Bucher and March Krotee (1998) explain that there is an added risk in any physical education exercise as opposed to a ... ...water conditions, many dangers are in and around water.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Risk management in a pool environment is basically concerned with aquatic injury prevention. A highly developed risk management program will substantially reduce the risks of injury. By understanding how injuries are caused, one can better prevent them. Effective communication with patrons is critical for helping to prevent injuries. Through this communication, the patrons can have fun in a safer environment. References American Red Cross (1993). Community First Aid & Safety. Mosby Lifeline, St. Louis. (pg. 184) American Red Cross (1993). CPR For The Professional Rescuer. Mosby Lifeline, St. Louis. (pg. 10) American Red Cross (1995). Lifeguarding Today. Mosby Lifeline, St. Louis. (pp. 44-204) American Red Cross (1988). Safety Training For Swim Coaches. Mosby Lifeline, St. Louis. (pg. 26) American Red Cross ( 1992). Swimming & Diving. Mosby Lifeline, St. Louis. (pp. 33-317) Berger, M. & Middleton, J. (1996). Head Injury: Some Consequences For Injured School Pupils, Their Teachers And Schools. The Partnership, Southampton. (pg. 3) Bucher, C.A. & Krotee, M.A. (1998). Management of Physical Educ

The Most Deadly Drugs are Already Legal Essay -- Argumentative Persuas

This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Fried egg is probably the most influential commercial of our generation. We feared it, we laughed at it, some of us stopped eating eggs, and we made a lot of t-shirts about it. And who was scaring us? Who was so concerned about our health? Our loving friends: The Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA). We used to watch those commercials and get all warm and fuzzy inside, someone out there cared enough about us to spend a lot of money on those frightening ads. Those good people down at the PDFA really don't want us using drugs. Or do they? The truth is, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America demonizes illegal drugs to protect the legal and profitable ones that kill more people. And this delicate maneuvering of the spotlight serves one purpose: to put a lot of cash in to the pockets of a few pharmaceutical, alcohol, and tobacco corporations. The tight-knit relationship between corporate drug peddlers and the PDFA is borne out most clearly by the organizations impressive list of funders. From 1988 to 1991, 54% of the $5.8 million the PDFA took from its top twenty-five contributors came from pharmaceutical companies. The other 46%? Largely tobacco and alcohol. Why are these huge corporations donating such large sums of money to the PDFA? Because they know that the PDFA strongly influences our conception of acceptability: Whatever drug the PDFA chooses to attack becomes a taboo, while drugs the PDFA chooses to ignore become a spotless joy. Because of this funding structure, even if the PDFA wanted to criticize the profitable drugs, it couldn't. Former Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters Mathea Falco explains, It would be suicidal if the Pa... ...s, One of the reasons young people have no faith in what we say about drugs is because of the lies by people like the Partnership. (St. Petersburg Times, 1990) Corporations are making big bucks and children are dying. Instead of spending a billion dollars to spit nonsense into young minds, the Partnership should be informing them about the dangers of all drugs, illegal and legal, worthless and profitable. And instead of convincing kids that everyone who smokes pot is a crazy murderer, they should differentiate between drugs and admit that heroin is not the same as marijuana. Without the children's trust, the entire message is worthless. Next time you see an Excedrin commercial, a Just Say No commercial, and then a Miller Lite commercial, realize that they are all the same. This is your brain. This is your brain on the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

HR management Essay

1. Abstract Using a balance scorecard to measure and manage an HR management. 2. Literature Review The balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management system that is used extensively in business and industry, government, and nonprofit organizations worldwide to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, improve internal and external communications, and monitor organization performance against strategic goals. 3. Research Aims and Objective The aim of this research using balance scorecard is to prepare a US manager to work in the UAE; For us to fully understand cultural and personal behaviors of UAE people. 4. Research methodology The use of balance scorecard to develop and implement performance is based on research online and readings about economy and understanding human behavior. 5. Discussion a. Origin Balance scorecard was coined in the early 1990s but the roots of this type of approach include the work of French process engineers who created the â€Å"Tableau de bord† literally, a dashboard of performance measures. b. Definition Balance scorecard is simply defined as performance management tool 6. Conclusion With its proven performance internationally it is best to used in HR Management.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards: Website Lesson Plans Edwina Schweitzer Grand Canyon University: EED 364 November 25, 2012 The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is a council that has set in place standards that are to be followed and adhered to when creating mathematical lesson plans. These standards are national and require a lot of the teachers as far as what and how they teach math. While there are many choices of lesson plans that support the standards set by the NCTM regarding number sense and operations, only four will be used to fulfill the following criteria. . Four lesson plans were chosen to illustrate the support of the NCTM standards: A. Problem-solving: Math, episode 1, (Discovery Education, n. d. ) is a lesson plan that helps students understand the importance of numbers. In this lesson the objectives are to show the students the importance of numbers in math, and show examples of how they are used in everyday life. The stud ents start out by watching the video, Problem-solving: Math, episode 1, and then talking about all of the numbers that they see in the classroom, such as the numbers on a clock or how many paint brushes or windows there are.The students are then asked to imagine a world without numbers and give ideas of how things would be different. They are then asked to write down examples of how they have used numbers, such as dividing candy among friends, being first in line, or being measured at the doctor. They are then asked to share these examples with the class and post them as a reminder of the importance of numbers in their everyday lives. B.Activity 3: Exploring the effect of operations on decimals, (Illuminations, 2000-2012) is a lesson plan that gives students the opportunity to â€Å"explore the effects of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on decimal numbers. † This lesson provides a Maze Playing Board sheet that allows students to play a game while making th eir way through the maze. The object of the maze is to finish the maze with the highest decimal number. Examples of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of decimal numbers are shown on an overhead projector for the students to see as a visual aid.This activity requires the use of the calculator, which provides practice using a calculator while having fun with a maze. The students are then put into groups of three to discuss their results. C. I’ll halve s’more please!! (Jackson, n. d. ) is a lesson plan that uses fractions to solve riddles provided in a PBS episode of Cyberchase, entitled Zeus on the Loose. The students watch the episode and then use fractions to solve the riddles while learning the parts of the fractions and their importance in everyday life.There is a handout that is included with the lesson plan and a list of materials, including s’mores ingredients, large numbers and a bar of paper cut out for fractional use. D. Life is Full of Problems, (Young, n. d. ) is a lesson plan that helps students learn how to read, interpret, and devise a solution to math problems. This lesson requires the use of mental solving, paper and pencil, and calculator usage. The students learn to double check their answers for correct procedures and solutions. There are several ideas listed in this lesson plan that may fit into any diverse classroom.This is a lesson plan that is particularly good for encouraging mental solving of mathematic equations. While the mental solving is attempted first, they may check their mental answers by working the problem out on paper, then double checking themselves with the calculator. This incorporates three different means of problem solving, and not only teaches the importance of mental capabilities, it enables the students to finish with the use of calculators. 2. The methodology of number sense is used in each of the lesson plans in various ways. Problem-solving: Math, episode 1, (Discovery Educat ion, n. . ) includes a vocabulary list that the others do not. â€Å"Vocabulary is an integral part of developing the skills and concepts necessary to explain solutions to problems,† (Camelot Learning, n. d. ). All of the lessons use number importance and provide activities to enhance this importance. Even though some of these activities may not have vocabulary words to accompany the lesson, they could be incorporated into them. If the higher grades already know the vocabulary words for the lessons being taught, they could be a refresher so that the students did not forget them. 3.The activities that were included in these lesson plans include mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals and fractions. Calculators are used in two of the activities, and the importance of the use of numbers is emphasized in all activities. Problem solving techniques are given as examples and the students are encouraged to improve on them through the completion of the activities. One lesson plan even includes a S’mores snack in the activity. Students would not only get to work with S’mores, but eat them afterwards! 4.These websites are appropriate for K-5th grade students, depending upon the lesson being taught and the extent to which the teacher would like to instruct it. All of the lesson plans are adaptable for students, but grades 3-6 seemed to be the best to benefit from them as they are listed. A couple of the lesson plans included variations that could be made simpler or more difficult, depending upon the grade and needed difficulty level. This variation in difficulty is also good for the differentiation of the students. 5. The lesson plans all provided ideas for differentiated instruction.These were also ideas that could be used for different grade levels, depending upon how in-depth the teacher wanted to go. Small groups were assigned to discuss the results of some of the activities. This could be hel pful with those students that have greater challenges and may struggle with their activities. Some of these activities could be made partner activities to help ELL students or those that may tend to be slower academically. 6. These lesson plans are important to the student’s understanding of mathematics because all of the lesson plans contained vital knowledge of the importance of numbers in everyday life.The students need to learn the components of these lessons to be successful at anything in life, as they are basic but important components. All of these lessons show the students how numbers surround them and that without numbers their world would not be the same at all. They constantly use numbers on a daily basis, right down to their phone number, address, age, size of clothes, and how tall they are. By providing the examples of this and then providing the opportunity for hands on activities to illustrate this importance, the students may be less likely to make the commen ts, â€Å"Why do I have to learn this? I will never use this! 7. The activities within the lesson plans could improve student achievement by providing the visual, hands on activities necessary for student understanding and growth. By allowing the students to participate in the activities and have fun, they will remember the concept being taught better because they have witnessed how important it is and have learned by the fun activities provided. The success of the students can be far greater when they are allowed to participate in hands on activities as opposed to simply being lectured on a particular concept. It is always easier to remember something when you had fun doing it.This principle is the same with lessons. The more opportunities for the students to do activities or games that pertain to the lesson, the better chance the students have to remember the concept being taught. This is only a success builder in academics. 8. Manipulatives were used in all of these lessons to s ome extent. The Problem-solving: Math, Episode 1 lesson plan could use a few more ideas for manipulative use. Where the students were asked to look around the classroom and find things that contained numbers, they could choose items from the classroom to total one to ten items.This could be done by counting out one book, two sheets of paper, three markers, four crayons, etc. Manipulatives may be changed or increased in any of the lesson plans, depending upon the teacher and how he/she chooses to provide them. The four lesson plans that were chosen and described all adhere to the standards set in place by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Each lesson plan had the NCTM link or listed standards included in the body of the lesson plans. These standards are important for teachers to be aware of and use when creating lesson plans for mathematic instruction.By having these standards set in place and using them, all of the students will have the same emphasis and impor tance put on number sense and operations, regardless of grade level or school. Reference Camelot Learning. (n. d. ). Camelot learning math intervention curriculum. Retrieved November 25, 2012 from http://www. camelotlearning. com/why-camelot/methodology. Discovery Education. (n. d. ). Problem-solving: Math, episode 1. Discovery education. Retrieved November 25, 2012 from http://www. discoveryeducation. com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/problem-solving-math-episode-1. cfmIlluminations. (2000-2012). Activity 3: Exploring the effect of operations on decimals. Illuminations. Retrieved November 24, 2012 from http://illuminations. nctm. org/LessonDetail. aspx? id=L252. Jackson, C. (n. d. ). I’ll halve s’more please!! National teacher training institute. Retrieved November 25, 2012 from http://www. thirteen. org/edonline/ntti/resources/lessons/m_half/index. html Young, K. (n. d. ). Life is full of problems. Retrieved November 25, 2012 from http://www. learningpt. org/pdfs/mscLes sonPlans/young. pdf ———————– National Council of Teachers Page 2