Reflections in the Facebook Mirror (Ball), In Defense of Masks Essay

Reflections in the Facebook Mirror (Ball), In Defense of Masks (Gergen) - Essay Exampleple to reveal their personalities through and through their decryptions regarding their political and religious views for example (Lee, New York Times 26 June 2010).Gergen asserts that although Polonius has good intentions, and that his advice falls under inns accepted religious and moral code of behavior, his intentions ar based on bad psychological science (Gergen p.172). Kenneth Gergen disputes classical psychology that human beings atomic number 18 capable of relying on one basic form of self-importance to which they can remain truthful to. He alludes to Shakespeares Hamlet play. In the play, Polonius advises his son Laertes, to remain full-strength to himself and as a result, his son would not be in crisis with other peopleThere nominate been a wide range of opinions on the use of masks in the social context, with others impressed while others are irritated by the notion. Erik Erikson, a prominent father of thinking in psychology, was of the opinion that human beings are imposed on masks by the society, which results in them feeling alienated and depressed. Erik Erikson suggests that as grownups, people are phased with challenges through bulge out the 8 stages of life-trust mistrust, autonomy v shame and doubt, initiative v guilt, industry v inferiority, role amazement v ego/identity, intimacy v isolation, self-absorption v generativity, integrity v despair. For example, during the intimacy v isolation stage, parents begin to put pressure on their children to get married and some people enter marriages out of obligation or to confer to the social norms of society (mask) and they experience feelings of depression and alienation as a result.He is critical of the above criteria citing the fact that human beings are usually unable to develop a coherent sense of identity and those that try to do so, invariably develop in most instances, unfortunate emotional effects.G ergen together with the help of his colleagues, attempted to challenge this belief by conducting a series of studies with the decision of discovering

The Berlin Blockade Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

The Berlin Blockade - Research Paper ExampleDuring globe War ii, Britain, France, the United States, and the Soviet Union banded together to form the allied powers in post to fight and overcome Germany. The war was brutal and left devastation in its wake. After the war, the main irresolution was what to do with conquered Germany. The Soviet Union, Britain, and the United States convened at Potsdam in Berlin for a conference which lasted from 16 July until 2 August. 1945. This was the terce conference held by the allies after the war in which decisions were taken as how to restore europium and deal with Germany. The leaders who attended were Stalin of the Soviet Union, Truman of the United States and Churchill of Britain who was replaced by Attlee who had become the new Prime attend of Britain. Already, the tension was displayed between the Soviet Union who practiced Communism and the Western powers who had adopted Capitalism. The Potsdam Agreement was sign-language(a) during t he conference, which led to the creation of a four-power allied control council ACC to govern Germany. The allied council was made up of Britain, The Soviet Union, The United States, and France. They were each given a zone in Germany to govern. Berlin, the capital of Germany, fell within the Soviet Unions zone fearing that The Soviet Union would gain an advantage by this, the other tierce powers insisted that Berlin is divided into four separate sections. The Soviet Unions zone was mainly made up of fertile agricultural land that produced most of Germanys food while, the British and the United States zones were more industrial in nature and had to rely on foodstuff from The Soviet Union. The allies planned to limit Germanys industrial capacity in order to ensure that it would never again be able to carry out remilitarization. Britain, who occupied the zone least capable of conducting agriculture, disagreed with this resolution and fought for a greater industrial output by Germany, tightly controlled by the allies, so that Germany may become a major trading partner. Due to the overleap of an agreement on this matter, each country administered its zone as it saw fit.

FOUNDATIONS FOR RESEARCH 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

FOUNDATIONS FOR RESEARCH 2 - Essay Example(2009), reducing anxiety in adults though the relaxation-breathing techniques has been utilise severally and renderd through clinical trials as being effective in the production of good asthma attack outcomes. It is true that all research works aims at bridging a accepted gap in information in less researched areas. In this case, more evidence will prove the importance of using such interventions in asthmatic children. The name was properly titled while the content are in line with the title. This is proved by performing a search on the article using the key words like relaxation, breathing, asthma, trial, controlled etc. The research report abstract has enough information and readers can determine if the research has enough evidence to qualify it as being relevant. It is an overview which is visible since it is short and brief and has all key findings articulated by the researcher. The abstract captures all key elements of the researc h work. In brief, the research abstract gives the researchers objectives which include evaluation of the effectiveness of feature self-management and relaxation breathing training for children with moderate-to-severe asthma compared to self-management-only training (Li-Chi Chiang et al. 2009), the research background, the methodology, the design, the sample and the results. A good abstract has to contain all the above as it summarizes the researchers assertions in a nutshell and makes it easier for many to understand the research work without flipping each page as Alasuutari, P. et al. (2008) puts it. An valuable part included here is the background part. This is key in any research work as it gives the information gap which forms a justification for the research. The authors start by first explaining Self-management programs, there use, when they have been used and their successes. Further, it gives perceptions towards their use and gives an indication that if used on children, t hen successes can be realized. At the end of the abstract, the researchers gives a summary of the findings from the analyzed data concluding that a combination of self-management and relaxation-breathing training can reduce anxiety, olibanum improving asthmatic childrens health. These results can serve as an evidence base for psychological care for practice with asthmatic children (Li-Chi Chiang et al. 2009). In addition, the authors further gives the addition knowledge contributed to by the paper and the gap it attempts to fill, its relevance and its application and integration into the existing knowledge base. In the research study report, the independent variable were combined self-management and relaxation-breathing training for children and self-management-only training while the dependent variable was severity of asthma and are specified in the report abstract. In the study report, the researchers report that data on anxiety levels, self-perceived health status, asthma sign s/symptoms, eyeshade expiratory flow rate, and medication use was collected. Here the independent variables are anxiety levels, self-perceived health status, government note expiratory flow rate, and medication use while the dependent variable is asthma signs/symptoms. Other big considerations made on the data included interaction effects among the two groups and research timelines. The impact of interactions at times is enormous such that its omission leads to un-biased results. It is always important to tell in

Tobacco Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Tobacco - Term paper ExampleMany people enjoyed tobacco plant after introduction in 15th century. However, use of tobacco was seen as a sign of disrespect to the public. Research reveals that tobacco users suffered extremely leading to introduction of archetype statements. King James was the victim of tobacco in 1604 and so he was prompted to issue warnings against tobacco use. The get-go industry of tobacco was started in early 17th century by John Rolf in northern America. His industry was boosted by blue demand from England. admit reveals that John exported his tobacco products from his firm to England. Approximately both hundred pounds of tobacco were shipped to England by Johns firm due to the demand from tobacco users in England. The demand was increased by high price imposed by Spanish sellers to the people of England (Yeargin, 2008). naughty competition between John Rolf and Spanish traders forced John to smuggle the sweetest seeds of tobacco from Varina firms and sta rted producing more in demand(predicate) products. The sweetness of his products led to high demand from England. Later he named his firm Varina farms. Study shows that the farm in still in existence to date despite that it is not growing tobacco anymore (Yeargin, 2008).The high demand of tobacco in England increased the requirement of mash force. African slaves were used as labor force in tobacco farms in early 17th century. Satcher (1998) point out that Jamestown in Virginia was the just about profitable tobacco firms due to high demand for tobacco in England and other European countries. Study by the author reveals that the colonies wealth was from tobacco trade in early 17th century. Other capital crops such as cotton were not common but it was later introduced in 1793. The profitability of tobacco led increase in a number of farms in North America and later allot Southern part. Though it was profitable crop, it was later planted with other crops in

High Performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

lofty Performance - Essay Exampleis, the company should institute efficient ethical standards, which leave behind boost its superior general performance and especially those of the executives, since approximately 90% of the corporations future leadership/management will emanate from workforce already unmingled in the slopped.Despite having shown significant progress for the past ex years, the company lacks the necessary requirements which are key aspects prior venturing into the international market. These requirements are mainly resources that entail both(prenominal) human and physical assets, for instance, adequate funding (AMA, 2007). The company ought to establish an effective mechanism directed towards identifying high-pitched performing employees and rewarding system. Since an executive normally assumes the center role in enabling an organization to pass water and establish itself in the competitive global market, a slight fault might yield to its give out if its mana gement is incompetent (Kimberly, 2008). Besides, the bulletproof should concentrate on internal operations while correcting the evident inadequacies resembling evaluation of their workforce performance, motivation, augmenting budget and managerial training. This is because during expansion to the global levels, it will utilize almost 90% of its management besides incorporating extra experienced international executive. Hence, reducing numerous wrangles and divisions that are currently evident amid the workforce where some are contented with the firms current position (AMA, 2007).In addition, the firm must institute extra consistent strategies aiming to reach the international standards and dominate the arena, which is contrary to the current realm (Scott, 2003). This will enable each to undertake all the aspects seriously because the firms philosophies are in line to their strategies, hence, no confusion. Besides incepting adequate policies meant to augment its budget in preparat ion for international venturing, the firm needs to start developing its personnel. This will be

Overview of Paternalism Law Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Overview of Paternalism Law - Term Paper suitSeveral laws and regulations have been enacted that encourage paternalism by the government such as requiring a motorcyclist to wear helmets. These actions by the government have been conflicting by several utilitarian thinkers like John Stuart Mill. He is opposed to the actions that led to paternalism by the government based on his autonomy-based argument. Paternalism exists in the form of restrictions or requirements imposed on people to perform in order for the common good to be maintained. In his topic on liberty, Mill argues that the government encourages cyclists to wear helmets to promote a good (Skorupski, 34). The protection of the someone from injury is a good that lavatorynot be ignored and it is not that the cyclist does not value his life, but this legislation goes against other good. In relation to the arguments brought forward by Mill, it is reasonable to conclude that Mill supports government actions. The question of s elf-defense as the basis for justifying paternalism is questionable since an individual is the most qualified person to judge himself/herself. As a result, it true to conclude that an individual is the most interested person in his own well beingness. ...This is in reference to the fact that Mill argues that no amount of restraint or compulsion by others can stop adults from pursuing their interests. However, in some instances, government interventions do not only restrict a persons liberty but encourage alternative solutions (Blokland, 78). In relation to paternalism, a person should be an independent and autonomous agent with the ability to choose his freedom. A utilitarian argument passed on by Mill is that of that there comes a time when a person has the discretion of his/her individuality being absolute. However, there are two strains of Mills argument with one based on straightaway forward utilitarian while the other relies, not on the good brought by the free selection but on the supreme value of the choice.

Cooperate Inquiry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cooperate Inquiry - Essay ExampleThe total idea of cooperation inquiry is that question is made with passel in contrast to traditional methods based on bring throughs research made on people.The first step is in a research process is to find and formulate a feasible starting point. The main questions of the research atomic number 18 What issue in practical experience is worth butt jointvas over a period of time Does it fit capabilities and do research workers have the resources Is there a passably chance researchers can get somewhere if they research this issue These are questions researchers deals to ask when start research. Cooperative inquiry begins with reflection upon such discrepancies and tries to save them from being forgotten in the maze of public work (Harwood 72). They become the focus for further discipline of the research process and for the generation of knowledge round that process. Such discrepancies need not al expressive styles be negative and problema tic for the researchers. Action research can also focus on accenting out good ideas for improvements or on the further victimisation of ones own strengths (Schon 43).Second step - action phase - is inventioned to tests proposed actions and record expected outcomes. One possible way of testing our knowledge of a situation researchers want to improve and develop is to obtain excess information-perhaps by carrying out an observation or by interviewing other people involved. The whole inventory of data solicitation methods can be used for this purpose (Schratz and Walker 92). As researchers have seen, other peoples views can render starting points for our own reflection, helping to actuate tacit knowledge or to stimulate researchers to collect additional information. It is important to remain clear that such explanations are hypothetical, providing stimuli for research and development rather than replacing them. By introducing changes, trying out new actions, and observing their re sults, our view of the situation in which we find ourselves is often deepened. Researchers need to find a pattern in the complexities of the situation identified as the starting point for research. First, researchers try to identify the most important individual elements of the situation, to distinguish them from less important elements, and describe them as vividly as possible. The main questions at this stage are What is happening in this situation Which events, actions and features of the situation are important Which people are involved, and in what kind of activities (Smart 82). Phase three is a second action phase. When researchers formulate important individual elements of the practical theory, they should not restrict themselves to what happened, but also take circular of the context. Cooperative inquiry does not take place in a laboratory in which the researcher controls most of the context. Their own actions are embedded in a framework of other peoples interests and actio ns. Their research and development activities in turn have consequences for others. This stage usually involves people outside the group and the research (Reason. 2008). The aim of this stage is to generate new ideas and new experiences. The main questions at this stage are Which other people are affected by my research and deve

An Assessment of Effectiveness of Dell's Organization Culture and Essay

An Assessment of Effectiveness of dells Organization Culture and Change - Essay ExampleNevertheless, the concept of durability should apply to all stakeholders in an makeup. This ensures harmony in all its operations, which has the end result of high performance. The authentic study examines the goodness exhibited by the dell management, in relation to how it has been able to effectively build an judicature acculturation, which pushed it up to its success. Background of the study In the past few decades, many organisations have changed their ways of doing business. This has been as a result of high competition. In particular, organisation gloss and change has been one of the ways by which ecesiss have sought to focus on to maintain completive advantage (Harold 2009). In this regard, it is app bent that organisations have to crumble the best management practices with strategic plans that are aligned with organisations objectives, mission and trance statements (Hill & Jones 2008). These practices become a culture that an organisation should endorse and cling on in order to get through its objectives (Dyck and Neubert 2010). However, due to increased and the emergence of new technologies, any organisation that needs to survive in extremely competitive market has to embrace such technologies (Marr 2010). This means that organisations should also create a culture of adopting bases that are in line with their objectives (Daft and Lane 2010). Analysis of output control a concept of organization culture In order to have a spectrum of what organisation culture and change entails, it is crucial to first check what organisation culture is. This is an internal environment that establishes a personality for the organisation, which plays a part in influencing the way of its members (Flamholtz and Randle 2011). These could be summed up to mean core values and fundamental beliefs or an organisation. Studies have documented that an organisation with a strong cu lture, members act with shared understandings and commitment to core values. Key elements of organisational culture involve innovation and risk taking, concern for people, team building and emphasis, and performance orientation (Phaditare 2011). With such deliberations, the focus of this paper testament be on the case study on Dell Computers, which according to Bhattacharyya 2010, is argued to have been able to fall upon excellence by giving due emphasis on creating a positive work culture through pro-active human resource management practices (18). In this regard, this paper aims at articulating on ways through which Dells organisational culture has enabled it achieve excellence. In order to have an efficient organization culture, an organization has to have efficient managers and the overall organizational structure. Dells organization structure is believed to forecast fit performance in relation to its goals. For example, Dells reward system is linked to its goals, which help to actuate employees in order to improve performance. Nevertheless, Dell has created a culture of directions on each division on how to achieve its goals. Dells CEO Michael Dell, is argued to have tried to decentralize the authority to low-level employees. This has been an effective strategy that has facilitated company-customer relationship thus creating a customer service culture. Study objectives 1. To find out Dells elements of organ

Tourism Trend Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Tourism Trend - question Paper ExampleHowever, in recent years, Florida has been able to develop a novel niche in tourism line of business called Cruise Tourism. The paper focuses on this new upcoming tourism trend that is reservation rapid progress in Florida now.In recent years, Florida has be arrive a major tourist finish for variety of reasons. Florida theme parks such as Busch Gardens at Tampa Bay, Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld and Typhoon Lagoon at Orlando, Epcot in Disney World offers a unique experience to the tourists. Most of the tourists make a dedicated visit to near of the theme parks in Florida. Sun shines in Tampa Bay, for almost 360 days in a year, lures tourists to come over there. Tampas only water park, Adventure Island spread in 30 acres also supplements tourists experiences that they never want to forget (Henthorn, 2014). It is widely known that the US economy suffered immensely due to financial crisis during 2008-2009 accordingly, American spending on leisure tra vel also declined. In view of the depressed economic scenario, the tourism industry had to extendCruise tourism is going to be a future trend in Florida as disposable incomes of the people join ons. As per Satchell (2013), Florida is the only state that has some of the busiest cruise ports that include mien Everglades, PortMiami, and Port Canaveral. These three ports in Florida generate around 36 percent of the total $19.6 billion business estimated nationwide. It is important to note that in 2012 almost 60% of the cruise tourists began their voyage from Florida registering a 2.6 percent increase over 2011. In 2011, 13.5 million passengers took advantage of cruise channel vacation. Port Miami and Port Everglades have hold out top cruise ship organizing port in Florida. Port Everglades can boast of having the worlds largest cruise ship a 225,000-ton Royal Caribbean mega ship called the Oasis of

Crosstabulation analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Crosstabulation analysis - Essay ExampleFurthermore, even in the grievous crime of murder same age range is mostly being arrested by the police.It might non be evident, but the availability of prohibited drugs and the usage of it by the youth plays a major portion in their delinquent activities. In an attempt to discuss whether youth violence is associated in their workout of drugs, this musical theme presents the concurrent findings of the tell relationship. Specifically, this paper focuses on the question of the connection of the use of marijuana or hash of their friends to the involvement of the respondents in gang fights. The researcher used the data collected in the 1995 National postdate of Adolescents in the United States with 1614 valid results.The survey asked the respondents the likelihood of their involvement to gang fights since their friends are using marijuana or hashish. On this paper, the frequency of use of the prohibited drugs is the independent variable, an d the involvement of those who used it in the said delinquency is the dependent variable. The researcher will then establish if there is a connection amidst the two variables by evaluating the results of the survey and using statistical tools to support its claim.According to Blumstein (1995), drug abuse is an grand factor that has affected criminal activity. Paul Goldstein (1985) reiterated the taxonomy of the drug-crime connection as made up of three components such as the pharmacological/psychological consequences (drug itself causes criminal activity), economic-compulsive crimes (crimes commit by the user to support his habit), and systemic crimes (crimes committed as part of the regular means of doing business in the drug industry). On the cross tabulation table based on the 1995 survey, the data showed that 12.2% (197 of 1614) of the overall respondents have engaged in the gang fights accounted it to the use of

Support for High-Definition IP Cameras Assignment

Support for High-Definition IP Cameras - Assignment Exampleanother(prenominal) core advantage of the camera is the fact that it uses the Ethernet cable as the core suppliers of power, thus fitting the university requirements (PoE). It is relevant both in the indoor and outdoor settings. It has a 360o span of view, equipped with the rotating camera, thus making it viable for strategic positioning within the school halls, cafeteria, pavements and other areas that require adequate surveillance. It has HDTV options, providing high tonus full HD images and videos, which is excellent for adequate surveillance.The organization should purchase up to 200 cameras, the same as the one and only(a) prescribed above, which provide be linked to one network, but willing be segmented into case-by-case units, with each having its own identity, through the use of its IP address, though they will all be managed by one administrator, which will constitute of the organizations server, and a minor t echnology department that will be developed by the institution specifically for surveillance. These cameras will be operated with their location. For instance, the engineering school part of camera will all be operated by one person, though anyone within the surveillance office, or registered in the security management website, which will likewise be developed alongside the department, give the axe approach shot them from home or anywhere using the internet.The network management will decide on where the views can be accessed by the students within the school network and premises or if they will not take a crap any security clearance to access any of the cameras. The cameras will all be positioned in areas where they cannot go game conflicting views, through the use of different angles of view, to prevent redundancy and duplication of images, view or videos. This will also prevent blind spots within the view. With these cameras being connected to computers, the storage uplink is definitely certified. The cameras also have temporary storage more than 1 GB. With

Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 22

Ethics - Essay ExampleThe users of computers need to be certain of the honest issues that are likely to come near from their use of the computers. The main ethical concerns from the use of computers include make on privacy, effects of computer on the society and the issues concerning property rights. The privacy issue has increasingly bring a major concern from the fact that sharing of information has been made easy by the approachability of many options of sharing information over the internet. This raises concern because individuals or organizations cleverness take advantage of this and might start sharing some other peoples information without their concern. The ability of the computer information systems to comprise huge amounts of information has also resulted to a situation where the privacy of the stored information is at risk of other peoples access. The effects caused by computers to the society may include health problems whereby use of the rising computer informa tion systems has resulted to many health problems such as the computing machine Vision Syndrome and many others, which arise as a result of using computers over a long time period (Olumoye 155).Computer information systems have also resulted to ethical issues concerning employment. Implementation of these systems require redesigning of the existing processes of the business and at the give notice render many people unemployed. This is because the systems perform much of the work, which requires laying off some employees. Other ethical impacts that result from using the information systems include the effects on school. The impact caused on school release is that use of the computer information systems result to dishonesty in undertaking the academic work. The systems have impacted heavily on school going in that the school going students have acquired new ship canal of cheat in their class work, assignments and in their exams. Some students take advantage that their teachers and instructors have little familiarity concerning the

Essay question Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Question - Essay ExampleOr symbolically, that we may be consumed by our problems and challenges because it is too much for us to handle. The words of Christ here may be lav and rebuking but this gave assurance to the trustingnessful that nothing ordain happen to them even in the middle of the strongest storm if He is with them.The message of the story is that if we guide enough unwavering faith in deliveryman Christ, our personal storms or problems will take care of its own. And that we should not worry of drowning just like the disciples did because if we have faith in the Nazarene, no harm would progress to us even if the strongest storm will come upon us. Or in short, we should not be afraid of any challenges that life may confront us if we have in rescuer.3. In Matthew 818-22, Jesus revealed the cost of discipleship when the crowd gathered around him and a teacher of the law manifested his willingness to become His disciple and follow wherever he may go. And Jesus told, Jesus replied,Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Manhas no place to lay his head (Matthews 818-20). Jesus answer was allegory of how demanding the work of a disciple is. It means that they will not have substitute for they will live the life of the disciple.Then another disciple ask Jesus to first let him go to bury his father before following him as disciple. Jesus reply here is stern statement and to the modern day reader, this may sound insensitive for Jesus Christ because he will not entertain any sentimentalities from his disciples saying Follow me,and let the dead bury their own dead. This merely manifests the demands to become a disciple of Jesus Christ that one must have an unwavering faith and dedication that things will take care of their own when they follow Jesus.This is supported by the following verses in Matthews when a storm was upon them and the disciples panicked and woke up the sleeping Jesus to save them from

Human Resource Management 2 (MASTER) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Human Resource Management 2 (MASTER) - Essay ExampleThere are some who argue against peternity precede as being a valid HR benefit, however despite these criticisms, there is enough evidence available which illustrates that peternity benefits could be use to reduce turnover and satisfy employees needs both psychological and sociological. This report offers considerably more advantages to peternity take into account form _or_ system of government implementation than disadvantages.Reward employees for accomplishing organisational objectives, as part of a performance management package, by crack additional peternity leave days-off in the event of future issues with qualifying pets.type of leave in an endeavor to improve retention and also enhance the public reputation of the go with while also straightforward a variety of stakeh fourth-year interests. This has made peternity leave a potential topic of interest for improving the vocation human resources policies regarding employe e benefits.The purpose of this report is to identify the viability of establishing a similar peternity leave policy at the company in an effort to enhance business reputation and employee retention. The impact of establishing such a sensitive benefits policy on total organisational performance is the main focus of this report.The report consulted with a wide variety of incident studies and secondary literature in the domain of human resources management and psychology to uncover whether establishing a new peternity policy would be of long-term value to the company.Virgin Mobile Australia has established its own version of peternity leave to include specific criteria for being able to take advantage of this policy. First, it is only available to employees when they are introducing a new puppy or kitten to the family household and the pet must not be older than 10 weeks (Moran, 2009). Additionally, this leave does not apply to rats, fish or other pets such as snakes and iguanas (Mor an). It is discernible that Virgin Mobile Australia recognises the

Zara Inc Success Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Zara Inc Success - look Paper ExampleAs the paper highlights the Fashion Retail world has evolved ahead of others with companies fighting for dish out in the food market and the consumers demanding the next exotic collection every few months. The internationalization has enhanced the technical aspect of these Fashion Titans who struggle to roll out new designs and trends every season with the hope of acquire noticed in a crowd of thousands. The new global economic environment has provided Zara with an opportunity to modify its current brand perception and become the premium brand for European consumers. This can be achieved by creating a high end line for Zara. This would not only increase the potential target market for Zara but also allow Zara to charge premium prices.This study declares that in 1963-74 Amancio Ortega Gaona, chairman and founder of Inditex2, begins his clientele activities in the textile manufacturing sector. The business grows steadily throughout the decade to include several manufacturing centers distributing products to various European countries. The first ZARA shop undefendable its doors in 1975 in A Corua (Spain), the city that saw the Groups primordial beginnings and which is now home to its central offices. Its stores can now be found in the most all-important(a) shopping districts of more than 400 cities in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa which is indeed a remarkable achievement. Interesting as it may seem, its first store featured low-priced lookalike products of popular, higher-end clothing fashions. This was of course an instant success as it enabled the plenty to have copies of the more luxurious clothes at a reasonable price and so Mr. Ortega opened more stores all over Spain. ZARA was a fashion imitator.ZARAs strategy of low volume per way and changing products quickly in its stores helps it to down on the discounts as well. Of its 12,000 distinct items annually, only about 18% of its clothing does not work w ith customers and has to be discounted.

The Face of American Poverty Essay Example for Free

The Face of American meagreness EssayPoverty is a social ill that is impact most developing countries in the cosmos, if non wholly. This is evidenced by the mountains overlook of access to basic commodities much(prenominal) as regimen, clothing and shelter due to insufficiency of foods to bargain for these needs. much often than not, this kind of stead is associated to third world countries like the Philippines and Vietnam and less identified with industrialized countries because heap in the latter slang much access to a discover life and an abundance of logical argument opportunities. united States is a countrified that could be least likely identified with pauperization, however, statistics revealed in that location argon millions of people in America who ar living a poor life. This hidden problem of America was magnified to the whole world when hurricane Katrina undo properties in s come forthhern United States, specially New Orleans. A BusinessWeek arti cle (F arll 2005) reported that the disaster reminded either American of the big class divide in the country.The whites who had more means were able to bewilder a safer place to stay as the disaster hit their homes while the blakcs who collect just enough or not even, were left on their rooftops crying for help. They b arly had enough to save themselves from the brutal effects of the hurricane. ground on the latest statistics that the bureau released (Current Population Report 20), America, an industrialized country and one of the most compelling countries in the world stick outs 36. 5 million people, 24. 3 percent of which are Blacks, 10. 3 percent are Asians and 8. percent are non-Hispanic whites. Poverty in the United States is measured by the Bureau of Census apply the money income earned by the family members. If the total income of the family is be starting time the familys threshold, every somebody in the family is considered as among those people suffering in poverty . There are 48 possible poverty thresholds that may be appoint to each family. These thresholds vary according to family size and sequences of the members of the family. The thresholds are annually updated in consideration of the inflation and opposite doers.These thresholds in a way reflect the family needs and serve as statistical yardsticks however, these statistics alone do not digest a comprehensive description of what a family needs to function decently. The measurement, which the bureau uses, was derived from the blank space of Management and Budgets Statistical Policy Directive 14. The thresholds that are being utilized to measure poverty were hypothesize in 1963 by the U. S. Department of Agriculture food budgets initially for families who are under economic express (U. S. Bureau of Census 20) match to the Current Population Report of the U. S.Bureau of Census (20), Table 3, mass and Families in Poverty by Selected Characteristics 2005 and 2006, South America has the highest number of people who are living in poverty, it reaches about 14 million and constitutes almost 14 percent of poor Americans. The early(a) regions save registered an modal(a) of 11 percent each of the table listing the American people who are living in poverty. Aside from this, the statistics besides file that majority of the Americans who are poor are native born. Those who are immaterial born and naturalized citizens alone comprised a small percentage of Americans living poverty.The bulk of these poor people range from the age bracket of 18 to 64 years oldthe working age. However, the poverty that America defines is a lot different from the definition of poverty in developing countries. As indicated in the investigate, Understanding Poverty in America, by Robert government minister and Johnson Johnson (n. pag. ), the poor in America are offend off compared to those who are considered poor in developing countries. The research revealed that a poor American has a car, a house in slap-up repair and has air-conditioning, clothes washer and cable television among others.According to Results. org (n. pag. ), the face of a poor person in America is a single parent working full beat but still has no sufficient cash in hand to pay for their food needs, rent, medical bills and car be for travel. Results. org (n. pag. ) also revealed that an American who experiences famish is in a better state than those who are in authentically poor countries because unlike the latter who really behave nothing, Americans still have food to eat the only problem is that the food that they eat is not sufficient to find a nutritious diet.According to the government activity report (n. pag. ), the face of hunger in America is a malnourished child whose parents are not earning enough to purchase healthy and nutritious food and sometimes has to skip meals. The research conducted by Rector and Johnson (n. pag. ) showed that one of the problems of poor Americans is malnutrition, however, this malnourishment that poor Americans face is not under nutrition but obesity. Their findings show that most of the adult Americans are obese because their diets compose mostly of foods that are high in fat.They cause this kind of food more often due to lack of money to purchase food that could provide a better diet. Based on the findings of Rector and Johnson (n. pag. ), poverty is caused by two main factors the absence of the father in the house and the fact that parents only spend less time at work. The research show that poor families are only supported by 800 work hours per year or 16 hours per week on the average. If the parents spend longer hours at work, then they could earn more and there is a greater possibility that the family would not flag among the list of poor families.In addition to this, the researchers also be out that the absence of a father in the house is also a great factor in the rise of poverty in the United States. Out-of-wedl ock pregnancies are becoming more prevalent in the American society and this causes a surge in the number of single parents that are supporting their children. More often than not, the income that these single parents are generating is not enough to sustain their familys needs thus they fall within the poverty line. If there were two parents that are earning for the family then there would be more funds to buy the family the needs.Aside from these factors, Isabel Sawhill (n. pag. ) also cited other reasons for the emergence of poverty in the United States. One the reasons that she gave is the lack of employment opportunities among the poor people. This unemployment is actually caused by several reasons such as the mismatch between the necessary skills of employers and those that are offered by employees. another(prenominal) reason is the fact that American workers need to compete with cheaper foreign advertize. Their opposition forces the need for Americans to accept lower wages in order to earn a living and fork over the needs of their family.If they do not lower their salary expectations then it is more likely that foreign labor will prevail and complete the job. Another factor that affects unemployment in the United States is racial discrimination. There are employers who pick to accept white Americans for better paying jobs as compared to the Blacks, Hispanics or Asians. Some American corporations act to underestimate the capabilities of colored Americans and perceive that the whites are still superior and perform better than whatever other race. This type of discrimination is one of the reasons wherefore America remains to be a divided nation.Moreover, the geographic location also plays as a factor because there are states that offer more job opportunities compared to other states which only offer a a few(prenominal). More often than not, those states which have more resources geographically and industrially offer more job opportunities as compar ed to those states which only have a few resources to develop and few corporations to run. Based on the data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (n. pag. ), the region which has the highest unemployment rate are Midwest and West regions registering 5. percent each while the region which has the lowest unemployment rate is Southern United States at 4. 7 percent. Among the states, Texas has the highest employment rate followed by Nevada and Minnesota. In addition to the causes of poverty, researchers (Sawhill n. pag. ) are also blaming the income insurance policy transfers of the government such as the food stamps, Medicaid, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children and the Temporary tending for Needy Families for the prevalence of poverty in the United States.The food stamp political program aims to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in the country by providing qualified low-income families with food stamps that can be utilized to purchase foo d items to complete a nutritious diet. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the average benefit that can be derived from the program per individual is $1 per meal. In order to qualify, a household should have a gross income that go below 130 percent of the poverty line and do not own assets that are more than $2,000 in value (results. org n. pag. ).The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children aims to provide pregnant women who have low incomes, new mothers, infants and children that are facing nutritional risks with healthy food, education on nutrition and health wield access. Unlike the food stamp program, which provides monetary attention to families, this government program gives food packages to the concerned individuals to meet their dietary needs (results. org n. pag. ). The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families is the welfare program replacement of the Aid to Families with restricted Children.This program was created to fight th e addiction of the recipient families to the welfare programs of the government. Unlike the other welfare programs which only submit that the familys income fall within the poverty line, this type of government program requires the recipients to work before receiving any assistance and limits the period wherein they can receive assistance from the welfare program. This policy of the government somehow lessens the smell of dependency to welfare programs by the recipients and gives them motivation to work and lift their families out of the poverty line.It has been observed by researchers (Sawhill n. pag. ) that recipients of welfare assistance from the government become so dependent that they no longer have the rag to work harder or worse, no dot exert any effort to support their needs. This kind of dependency was staged in the movie, Million Dollar Baby. In this movie, the mother of Maggie Fitzgerald, the female boxer played by Hillary Swank, got mad when Maggie bought her a hous e because this would drive them out of the welfare system. Owning the property will force them to find a job that will support their daily needs and take them out of their comfort zone.The family does not want this to happen because they have become so dependent with the welfare system that they cannot seem to live without it anymore. This is the kind of dependency that the government is trying to avoid because not only does this harbor indolence it also takes away from the government funds that could be used for other projects that would better benefit the community. It would be better to teach a person how to fish and find provision for his personal needs rather than only when providing the fish to a person who never dare to exert an effort.Having too many children is also a factor in the surge of poverty in the United States because the more children there are, the more dependents the parents have and the more mouths to feed. If a family has fewer children then it would be easi er for the family to get by because there are only a few needs to provide for and compete over the family income. There are various ways wherein sociologists try to explain poverty and one of them is using the structural approach which is influenced by Marxists and Functionalists perspectives (School-Portal n. pag. ).In the Marxist perspective, it can be gleaned that poverty is the direct result of the capitalist system. Through capitalism, people are agonistic to enter into a competition to survive and this competition is affected primarily by education and skills that an individual possesses. spate try to attain high education and learn new skills to have a better standing in a capitalistic world and a better fare at the competition. Employers prefer to hire an applicant who attained a higher level of learning and who has better skills compared to ordinary individuals, as this will foster better company performance and more earnings.Employees work hard to receive higher and m ore promising salaries. The discrepancy in earnings, ownership of properties and the creation of the social strata causes poverty exist. If people are not driven by competition and the dire to strive for more as compared to the others, there would be no discrepancy and all will just be equalno rich and no poor. However, this will also advocate laziness among the people and lack of improvement in ones way of living. With check to the functionalist perspective, everything is seen to be working for the whole and everything has a purpose.In consideration of this ideology, poverty is seen both in the irresponsible and negative light. In its negative aspect, poverty is seen as a warning, something that people should avoid due to its uncomely effects such as lack of sufficient food to eat, absence of enough funds to purchase basic needs and wants. On the contrary, poverty is also seen in the positive side, a feel good factor. When one sees he is faring better than the others, it creates a sniff out of thinking that all the efforts that he has exerted are all worth it.It somehow creates an appreciation of the hardships that he had to go through to achieve the position he is occupying. Another approach that sociologists utilize to explain poverty is the cultural approach. This type of explanation was elaborated by sociologist, Oscar Lewis. According to Lewis, poverty is transferred from generation to generation because the values of the parents toward poverty are passed on to their children. Lewis explained that people experience poverty because of the different cultural values that they have developed through time.These values include resignation and fatalism. People who are resigned feel that there is nothing much that they can do about their situation so they no longer bother to change it or even exert the slightest effort to lift their families out of the impoverished state their they are in. People, who adhere to fatalism, perceive that they are meant to be po or so there is no reason of fighting it. They believe that suffering an impecunious life is their purpose in this world and no matter what they do they will not be able to escape it.Trying to roll ones self out of the hole of poverty will only be a futile undertaking. These kinds of ideologies of the parents foster somehow affects how their children see poverty. Without even realizing it, these principles that they adhere to, is already burying their children to the pit of poverty even at a tender age. Once the minds of their children are shaped with these principles, they will carry this one as they age and like their parents, will be left suffering an impoverished life.The cultural explanation of poverty explains why there are many who continue to depend on the welfare system even if they have the capacity to get out of it. They have been so used to thinking that they are poor and cannot do anything about it that is why they no longer strive to make their lives more bearable. Wha t these people fail to recognize are the benefits that can be gained from getting out of the cage of the government welfare system. They has lost their sense of achievement and being able to contribute something fruitful to the country rather than just waiting for the assistance that the government will provide.

World War Holocaust Essay Example for Free

World War Holocaust EssayThe Holocaust or The Shoah, as referred to by the Jews, was a systematic state-led persecution and genocide of the Jews and other minority groups of Europe and North Africa. It was connected during World War II by the Nazis of Germany and their collaborators (Wikipedia, Holocaust).This was what the Nazis considered as Endlsung der Judenfrage or The Final dissolvent of the Jewish Question. Under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, about 9 to 11 million people were exterminated during this unblemished period. Other minorities (ie. Poles, Serbs, homosexuals, persons with mental illness, Jehovahs Witnesses, etc) who the Nazis saw as inferior or undesirable were similarly killed. It is considered by many experts as the most organized and systematic mass-killing in the history of mankind. Jews were herded into death camps and were allowed to acquit many indignities including torture and cruel medical experiments. Jews would be killed by the hundreds through p oison gas, freezing or shooting. The women and the children were not spared. They were treated no less cruelly than the male adults. They were also sent to labor camps to service of process as slaves to the Nazis.All these inhuman acts are based on the Anti-Semitism philosophy of Adolf Hilter. He pose down the foundations of this movement in his 1925 autobiography entitled Mein Kampf or My Struggle. According to Hitler, the Aryan race is the first-class race of the world. Nazism, which followed his ideas, portrayed their interpretation of an Aryan race as the only race capable of, or with an interest in, creating and maintaining civilization and civilizations, while other races are merely capable of conversion, or destruction of culture (Wikipedia, Aryan).Because of this belief in Aryan supremacy, the Nazis began by oppressing the Jews and other minorities through discrimination. Jews were not allowed to have jobs or were not given service in hospitals or government offices. The se acts would worsen and escalate into an uncontrollable passion and would culminate in the infamous Final Solution.BibliographyHolocaust. Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. WikimediaFoundation. 8 June 2006 http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust.Aryan. Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. WikimediaFoundation. 8 June 2006 http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryan.

Western progressives Essay Example for Free

Western progressives EssayEnforcing cooperation between the CIA and the FBI and the Immigration and naturalisation Service (INS) is essential in traffic with terrorism. This is unarguably true however, the same premise should be oblige between municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. All levels of response, including investigation and information gathering, are crucial pieces to the puzzle when dealing with motherland security and terrorism. After all, it is not just international terrorist organizations overseas that need to be monitored. in that respect are m either domestic-based groups actively or passively operating in everyones own backyard. Whether an investigation is local, state, or federally based, money is one nexus that, if exposed, can bring all agencies together. International and domestic-based terrorist organizations generally rent one feature in common the need for financing. As documented in Steven Emersons remarkable telecasting doc umentary for the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) that aired in November, 1994 titled Jihad in America, terrorist organizations, disregarding of how much they despise and loath the U. S. , have no problem seeking reinforcing stimulus and financial disdain in the U. S.Based on this critical need, perhaps the best approach for dealing with terrorism is to brood money and finances. (Rick 2004 93) It can be detrimental to be one-dimensional and not to consider global approaches to homeland security and terrorist-related information. It has been demonstrated that terrorist activity cans occur anywhere and at any time, but financial support is an ongoing process with many guises. This need exists and perhaps poses the greatest opportunity for law enforcement to expose and process in order to gain the upper hand in tracking and monitoring potential homeland security threats.Homeland security and terrorism have received great deal of public precaution over the past couple of years. Most of the attention came from the federal government and the media. Law enforcement agencies, based on this attention, were force-fed multitude of methods and practices for dealing with homeland security and terrorism matters. Some local and state agencies established homeland security units in an attempt to keep up with the growing concerns facing the ever-evolving world of terrorism.Traditional managers and administrators to a fault reacted to this crisis, predictably, by having their agencies develop plans of action and contingency plans and by identifying potential targets that exist within their jurisdictions in fictitious character of an attack. However, this can be construed as nothing more(prenominal) than window dressing. Something near and dear to all managers is the budget, and this, perhaps, is the tip cause as to why only window dressing has been applied. (Rick 2004 115) By launching so forcefully global war on terror, President Bush has challenged head-on long -cherished tenet of Western progressives.This has been that insurgency is the honest voice of the oppressed and the more adamant its leadership, the more this truth is confirmed. Shades here of the dozens of gallant ballads that created the Robin Hood legend. Shades, too, of modern disposition to write indulgently of outlaws, gangland bosses and their ilk-Jesse James, Ned Kelly, Reggie Kray, Rob RoyOn the more overtly political plane, the literati tend to give ultra-Left revolutionaries (Mazzini, Lenin, Mao Tse-tung, Gerry Adams) extensive and often empathetic press coverage compared with more moderate reformers or, of course, the anciens regimes.Moreover, the more dismal the status quo antes, the more these tendencies prevail, the underlying assumption being that anything essential be an improvement. Alas, the materials of history suggest that unyielding repression is very liable to be replaced, through revolutionary upheaval, by brutality more uncompromising, albeit in new g uise. Robespierre was far more vicious than Louis XVI. Stalin was much worse than the Tsars. Nor does the genuine dearth of political thought, especially in the developing countries, inspire confidence that future revolutionists would be any better. (Neville 2004 45).References Alexander Moens, Lenard J. Cohen, Allen G. Sens Praeger, 2003 NATO and European Security Alliance Politics from the End of the Cold fight to the while of terrorist act Amy Goodman, David Goodman Allen Unwin, 2004 The Exception to the Rulers Exposing Americas War Profiteers, the Media That Love Them and the Crackdown on Our Rights. Anthony H. Cordesman Praeger, 2002 terrorism, Asymmetric Warfare, and Weapons of Mass Destruction Defending the U. S. Homeland. Barry barrel maker, 2004 New Political Religions, Or, an Analysis of Modern Terrorism. University of Missouri Press.Bruce Nardulli Rand, 2003 The world-wide War on Terrorism An early on Look at Implications for the Army. Bulent Gokay, R. B. J. Walker Frank Cass, 2003 11 September 2001 war, terror, and judgment. Chris E. Stout Praeger, 2002 The Psychology of Terrorism Programs and Practices in Response and Prevention Vol. 4. Christopher Preble 2004 Exiting Iraq Why the U. S. Must End the Military Occupation and Renew the War against Al Qaeda Report of Special Task Force, Cato Institute. David J. Whittaker Routledge, 2004 Terrorists and Terrorism in the Contemporary World.Dr. Amit Gupta 2003 Strategic Effects of the contradict with Iraq South Asia Strategic Studies Institute. Dr. Anthony L. 2003 Strategic Effects of the Conflict with Iraq East Asia Smith Strategic Studies Institute. Elizabeth Wishnick. 2004 Strategic Consequences of the Iraq War U. S. Security Interests in Central Asia Reassessed Strategic Studies Institute. Frederick H. Gareau, 2004 State Terrorism and the United States From Counterinsurgency to the War on Terrorism Clarity Press. Gabriel Kolko 2006 The Age of War The United States Confronts the World.Hooman Peimani Praeger, 2003 Falling Terrorism and Rising Conflicts The Afghan constituent to Polarization and Confrontation in West and South Asia. James M. Lutz, Brenda J. Lutz Routledge, 2004 Global Terrorism. R. Martin 2002 Defeating Terrorism Strategic go forth Analyses. Strategic Studies Institute. John Richard Thackrah Routledge, 2004 Dictionary of Terrorism. Lynn E. Davis, Gregory F. Treverton, Daniel Byman, Sara Daly, William Rosenau Rand, (2004) Coordinating the War on Terrorism. Mary Buckley, Rick Fawn Routledge, 2003 Global Responses to Terrorism 9/11, Afghanistan and beyond.Max G. Manwaring 2003 Strategic Effects of the Conflict with Iraq Latin America Strategic Studies Institute. Michael R. Ronczkowski CRC Press, 2004 Terrorism and Organized Hate Crime Intelligence Gathering, Analysis, and Investigations. Mohan Malik. 2002 Dragon on Terrorism Assessing Chinas Tactical Gains and Strategic losings Post-September 11 Strategic Studies Institute. Neville Brown Routledge, 2004 G lobal Instability and Strategic Crisis. Paul De B. J Taillon Praeger, 2002 Hijacking and Hostages brass Responses to Terrorism. Paul De B.J Taillon Praeger, 2001 The Evolution of Special Forces in Counter-Terrorism The British and American Experiences. Paul K. Davis, Brian Michael Jenkins Rand, 2002 Deterrence and act in Counterterrorism Component in the War on Al Qaeda. Paul Mcgeough Allen Unwin, 2003 Manhattan to Baghdad. Peter Van Der Veer, Shoma Munshi 2004 Routledge Media, War, and Terrorism Responses from the Middle East and Asia. Rahul Mahajan 2002 The New Crusade Americas War on Terrorism. Richard . Clarke 2004 Against All Enemies Inside Americas War on Terror.Richard Crockatt Routledge, 2003 America Embattled September 11, Anti-Americanism, and the Global Order. Rick Anderson Clarity Press, 2004 Home Front The Governments War on Soldiers. Robert S. Tripp, Kristin F. Lynch, G. Drew, Edward W. Chan Rand, 2004 Sandra Silberstein Routledge, 2002 War of Words Language, Polit ics and 9/11. Sherifa Zuhur, 2005 Saudi Arabia Islamic Threat, Political Reform, and the Global War on Terror Strategic Studies Institute. Shireen Hunter Frank Cass, 2004 Strategic Developments in Eurasia after 11 September.Stephen Biddle Strategic Studies Institute, 2002 Afghanistan and the future day of Warfare Implications for Army and Defense Policy. Supporting Air and Space Expeditionary Forces Lessons from Operation Enduring Freedom. doubting Thomas G. Weiss, Margaret E. Crahan, Goering Routledge. (2004) Wars on Terrorism and Iraq Human Rights, Unilateralism, and U. S. Foreign Policy. Thomas R. Mockaitis, Paul B. Rich Frank Cass, 2003 Grand schema in the War against Terrorism. Yassin El-Ayouty, Gerald J. Galgan, Francis J. Greene, Edward Wesley Praeger, 2004 Perspectives on 9/11.

Academic degree Essay Example for Free

Academic degree EssayAfter the SPM examination,many students father to decide their emerging on which pedagogics to pursue. Some of my friends chose to enrol in college. I decided to study in matric college as a Pre-U qualification to enter university. My reason is university development is better than college education. This is because university has a better education system,more dedicated lecturers and better facilities. First,university education provides a better education system than college does.A SPM certificate is teeming for you to enrol in a college but to enter a university you need a Pre-U qualification such(prenominal) as STPM or A-level. This simply shows that it is harder to study in university as you need some qualifications in which the college does non demand. Besides,the grading system in university is stricter than that of college. So,students make believe to work harder to get a good result. On the other hand,most college change their grading system ,according to the overall result of their students.Moreover,the the syllabus in university is well designed. Besides giving knowledge,it helps to modernize the social skills of students. For example,Students have to do survey on public about topics related to their study. This ensures that the graduates can have critical thinking skill and communication skill. Universities usually hire more experienced lecturers with better knowledge. fit in to a research, these lectures possess a Master or PhD degree and some even graduated overseas. Thus,they have higher level of of knowledge which benefits the students.Besides,Most of them have years of teaching experience and so they know how to head for the hills their students,developing their skills and exploring their potential. For instance,a Physics lecturer does non only talk on theories. Instead,he teaches the students to analyse a problem logically. They are also more caring and responsible to their students. These qualities are ha rd to seen in college lecturers,who are mostly unmarried man degree holder and work just for money. (very serious generalisation here)Last but not least,university usually has better facilities,for example,the state-of-art computers. Unlike those college such as Inti College which are run by private companies,university has a better management. Thus every single thing in the university,including the infrastructure is planned and developed well. This is honest to students. For instance,university with advanced laboratories is beneficial to students as they can learn science better by being explored to the existent situation while conducting experiments.Besides,university with better sports facilities can help the students to relax their mind. In other words,better facilities means a more conducive environment for university students. In a nutshell,university education is better than college education for its better education system,lecturers and facilities. Despite the growing num ber of college in our country,I advice fellow friends to choose university education so that when you graduate,you are rivalrous enough to survive in this ever developing world.

African Americans from 1865 Essay Example for Free

African Americans from 1865 EssayAfrican Americans have fought a owing(p) battle to become a part of society in America. Since being taken from African as slaves in the 1600s there has been a continuous battle for equality since. Since the end of sla rattling char Americans have had many accomplishments along with hardships. In this paper I will discuss some of the major(ip) events in African American history beginning with the end of slavery which has lead to the America we spang today. In 1865 Congress passed the thirteenth Amendment stating Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a penalty for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any presidency agency subject to their jurisdiction this was the outlawing of slavery and resulted in the established the Freedmens potency to assist former slaves. chairperson Lincoln and different Re familiarans were concerned that the Emancipation Proclamation, which in 1863 declared the freedom of slaves in ten ally states then in rebellion, would be seen as a temporary war measure, since it was based solely on Lincolns war powers. The Proclamation did not free any slaves in the border states nor did it revoke slavery.1 Because of this, Lincoln and other supporters believed that an amendment to the Constitution was needed. In many parts of the South, the un seekly freed slaves labored under conditions similar to those existing before the war. The Union army could offer only limited protection to the ex-slaves, and Lincolns successor, Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, clearly had no interest in ensuring the freedom of southern gruesomes. The new presidents appointments as governors of southern states make conservative, proslavery governments. The new state legislatures passed laws designed to keep blacks in poverty and in positions of servitude. Under these so-cal guide black codes, ex-slaves who had no steady employment could be arrested and ordered to pay stiff fines.Pris mavinrs who could not pay the junction were hired out as virtual slaves. In some areas, black children could be forced to wait on as apprentices in local industries. calamitouss were also prevented from buying land and were denied fair wages for their work. This became the beginning of the Reconstruction. The Freedmens Bureau was designed to help former slaves make the transition from slavery to freedom after the well-behaved war. It was a federal agency just aboutly involving blacks of the old confederacy ( Lowe, 1993). The Freedmens Bureau Bill, which created the Freedmens Bureau in skirt 1865, was initiated by President Abraham Lincoln and was int cease to last for one year after the end of the courteous war.2 The Freedmens Bureau was an important agency of the early Reconstruction, assisting freedmen (freed ex-slaves) in the South. The Bureau was part of the United States Department of War. Headed by Union Army General Oliver O. Howard, a cultured War hero sympathetic to blacks.the Bureau was functional from 1865 to 1872. It was disbanded under President Ulysses S. Grant.Their responsibilities included introducing a system of free labor, overseeing some 3,000 schools for freedpersons, settling disputes and enforcing contracts between the normally whiten landowners and their black labor force, and securing justice for blacks in state courts. The Bureau was renewed by a Congressional bill in 1866 but was vetoed by President Andrew Johnson, who thought it was unconstitutional. Johnson was opposed to having the federal government secure black rights. Congress passed the bill over his veto. Southern whites were basically opposed to blacks having any rights at all, and the Bureau lacked military force to back up its authority as the army had been quickly disbanded and more or less of the soldiers assigned to the Western Their responsibilities included introducing a system of free labor, overseeing some 3,000 schools fo r freedpersons, settling disputes and enforcing contracts between the usually white landowners and their black labor force, and securing justice for blacks in state courts.The Bureau was renewed by a Congressional bill in 1866 but was vetoed by President Andrew Johnson, who thought it was unconstitutional. Johnson was opposed to having the federal government secure black rights. Congress passed the bill over his veto. Southern whites were basically opposed to blacks having any rights at all, and the Bureau lacked military force to back up its authority as the army had been quickly disbanded and most of the soldiers assigned to the Western frontier. The Bureau was able to accomplish some of its goals, especially in the field of education. frontier. The Bureau was able to accomplish some of its goals, especially in the field of education. There is much more African American has to overcome and many victories and defeat, In the process of fighting for equality in 1909 The National co nnexion for the Advancement of Colored People is founded in in the raw York by prominent black and white intellectuals and direct by W.E.B. Du Bois.For the next half century, it would serve as the countrys most influential African-American civil rights organization. In 1910, its journal, The Crisis, was launched. Among its well known leaders were James Weldon Johnson, Ella Baker, Moorfield Storey, Walter White, Roy Wilkins, Benjamin Hooks, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Julian Bond, and Kwesi Mfume. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the association led the black civil rights struggle in fighting injustices such as the denial of voting rights, racial violence, contrast in employment, and segregate popular facilities. Dedicated to the goal of an integrated society, the national leadership has of all time been interracial, although the membership has remained predominantly African American. The Harlem Renaissance flourishes in the 1920s and 1930s.This literary, artistic, and intellectual mo vement fosters a new black cultural identity. After the American civil war, liberated African-Americans searched for a safe place to look their new identities as free men and women, they found it in Harlem. Also known as the New Negro Movement was a literary, artistic, cultural, intellectual movement that began in Harlem, New York after World War I and ended around 1935 during the Great Depression.The movement raised significant issues affecting the lives of African Americans through and through various forms of literature, art, music, drama, painting, sculpture, movies, and protests. In 1939 the NAACP established as an independent legal arm for the civil rights movement the NAACP jural Defense and Education Fund, which litigated to the Supreme judiciary Brown v. shape up of Education of Topeka, the case that resulted in the game courts landmark 1954 school-desegregation decision. The organization had also won a significant victory in 1946, with Morgan v. Virginia, which succes sfully barred segregation in interstate travel, setting the stage for the Freedom Rides of 1961.1954 Brown v. come on of Education case strikes down segregation as unconstitutional. Linda Brown, an eight-year-old African American girl, had been denied permission to attend an dewy-eyed school only five blocks from her home in Topeka, Kansas. School officials refused to register her at the nearby school, naming her instead to a school for nonwhite students some 21 blocks from her home. Separate elementary schools for whites and nonwhites were maintained by the dialog box of Education in Topeka. Linda Browns parents filed a lawsuit to force the schools to admit her to the nearby, but segregated, school for white students. The Board of Educations defense was that, because segregation in Topeka and elsewhere pervaded many other aspects of life, segregated schools simply prompt black children for the segregation they would face during adulthood.The board also argued that segregated s chools were not neccessarily harmful to black children gigantic African Americans such as Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and George Washington Carver had overcome more than just segregated schools to achieve what they achieved. The request for an injunction put the court in a difficult decision. On the one hand, the judges agreed with the expert witnesses in their decision, they wrote Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored childrenA sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn. 8 On the other hand, the precedent of Plessy v. Ferguson allowed separate but equal school systems for blacks and whites, and no Supreme Court public opinion had overturned Plessy yet. Because of the precedent of Plessy, the court felt compelled to rule in raise of the Board of Education. 9 The Supreme Court struck down the separate but equal doctrine of Plessy for public education, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs , and required the desegregation of schools across America.The Supreme Courts Brown v. Board of Education decision did not abolish segregation in other public areas, such as restaurants and restrooms, nor did it require desegregation of public schools by a specific time. It did, however, declare the permissive or mandatory segregation that existed in 21 states unconstitutional. 13 It was a giant step towards complete desegregation of public schools. Even partial desegregation of these schools, however, was still very far away, as would soon become apparent.The next year 1955 A young black boy, Emmett Till, is brutally murdered for allegedly whistling at a white woman in manuscript. Two white men charged with the crime are acquitted by an all-white jury. They later boast about committing the murder. The public outrage generated by the case helps spur the civil rights movement (Aug.). Fourteen-year-old Emmett Till was visiting relatives in Money, Mississippi on August 24, 1955 when he reportedly flirted with a white cashier at a food market store. Four days later, two white men kidnapped till, beat him, and shot him in the head. The men were tried for murder, but an all-white, male jury acquitted them. Tills murder and open casket funeral galvanized the emerging civil rights movement. genus Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat at the front of the colored section of a raft to a white passenger (Dec.1). She was arrested and convicted of violating the laws of segregation, known as Jim Crow laws.Mrs. Parks appealed her conviction and thus officially challenged the legality of segregation. In response to her arrest Montgomerys black community launch a successful year-long muckle boycott. Montgomerys buses are desegregated on Dec. 21, 1956. 1963Martin Luther King is arrested and jailed during anti-segregation protests in Birmingham, Ala. He writes Letter from Birmingham Jail, which advocated nonviolent disobedience. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom is attended by about 250,000 people, the largest demonstration ever seen in the nations capital. Martin Luther King delivers his illustrious I Have a Dream speech. The march builds momentum for civil rights legislation (Aug. 28). Despite governor George Wallace physically blocking their way, Vivian Malone and James Hood register for classes at the University of Alabama.Four young black girls be Sunday school are killed when a bomb explodes at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, a touristy location for civil rights meetings. Riots erupt in Birmingham, leading to the deaths of two more black youths (Sept. 15). 1964 President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act, the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the nations benchmark civil rights legislation, and it continues to resonate in America. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.An act to practice th e constitutional right to vote, to confer jurisdiction upon the district courts of the United States of America to provide injunctive relief against discrimination in public accommodations, to authorize the Attorney General to institute suits to protect constitutional rights in public facilities and public education, to extend the Commission on Civil Rights, to prevent discrimination in federally aid programs, to establish a Commission on Equal Employment Opportunity, and for other purposes. Passage of the Act ended the application of Jim Crow laws, which had been upheld by the Supreme Court in the 1896 case Plessy v. Ferguson, in which the Court held that racial segregation purported to be separate but equal was constitutional. The Civil Rights Act was eventually expanded by Congress to strengthen enforcement of these fundamental civil rightsReferencesOf Du Bois and Diaspora The Challenge of African American Studies. Michael A. Gomez Journal of Black Studies , Vol. 35, nary(preno minal) 2, Special Issue Back to the Future of Civilization Celebrating 30 Years of African American Studies (Nov., 2004), pp. 175-194 print by Sage Publications, Inc.clause abiding URL http//www.jstor.org/stable/4129300The Freedmens Bureau and Local Black leadingRichard LoweThe Journal of American History , Vol. 80, No. 3 (Dec., 1993), pp. 989-998 Published by Organization of American HistoriansArticle Stable URL http//www.jstor.org/stable/2080411Harlem Renaissance Art of Black AmericaHarlem Renaissance Art of Black America. by Studio Museum in Harlem check into by George C. WrightThe Journal of American History , Vol. 77, No. 1 (Jun., 1990), pp. 253-261 Published by Organization of American HistoriansArticle Stable URL http//www.jstor.org/stable/2078660Harlem Renaissance. by Nathan Irvin HugginsReview by Charles T. DavisAmerican Literature , Vol. 45, No. 1 (Mar., 1973), pp. 138-140 Published by Duke University PressArticle Stable URL http//www.jstor.org/stable/2924561Mary, E. Q . (2000). African-american history and culture / african-american history and culture An on-line encyclopedia. The Booklist, 96(12), 1130-1132. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/235465516?accountid=32521 Horne, G. (2006). TOWARD A TRANSNATIONAL RESEARCH AGENDA FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY IN THE 21st CENTURY. The Journal of African American History, 91(3), 288-303. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/194472189?accountid=32521 Dr. martin luther king, jr.s letter from a birmingham jail. (1997, Jan 16). Sentinel. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/369387622?accountid=32521

High school Essay Example for Free

gamey naturalise Essay* Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal authorization and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy. Literacy is at the heart of prefatorial have it offledge for solely, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population offshoot, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, ease and democracy. (Why Is Literacy Important? UNESCO, 2010) * The nonion of basic literacy is used for the initial tuition of yarn and composition which adults who have neer been to tame need to go through. The term functional literacy is kept for the aim of withdrawing and writing which adults argon thought to need in modern complex society. Use of the term underlines the idea that although flock may have basic levels of literacy, they need a different level to operate in their day-to-day lives. (David Barton, Literacy An existence to the Ecology of Written Language, 2nd ed. WileyBneedinesswell, 2006) * To acquire literacy is more than(prenominal) than to psychologically and mechanically dominate reading and writing techniques.It is to dominate those techniques in terms of consciousness to apprehend what one reads and to write what one understands it is to communicate graphically. redeemting literacy does non involve memorizing sentences, words or syllableslifeless objects unconnected to an existential universe precisely rather an attitude of creation and re-creation, a self-transformation producing a stance of intervention in ones context. (Paulo Freire, Education for Critical Consciousness. Sheed Ward, 1974) *There is hardly an oral stopping point or a predominantly oral culture left inthe world today that is non somehow awargon of the vast complex of powers forever in approachible without literacy. (Walter J. Ong, Orality and Literacy The Technologizing of the Word. Methuen, 1982) * We expect the contradictory and the im possible. . . . We expect to be inspired by middling appeals for excellence, to be do literate by illiterate appeals for literacy. (Daniel J. Boorstin, The Image A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America, 1961) * Women and Literacy In the history of women, there is probably no matter, apart from contraception, more consequential than literacy.With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, access to power required knowledge of the world. This could not be gained without reading and writing, skills that were minded(p) to men long onwards they were to women. Deprived of them, women were condemned to stay home with the livestock, or, if they were lucky, with the servants. (Alternatively, they may have been the servants. ) Comp atomic number 18d with men, they led mediocre lives. In thought process about wisdom, it services to read about wisdomabout Solomon or Socrates or whomever. Likewise, goodness and happiness and love.To patch up whether you have them, or want to make the sacrific es necessary to get them, it is useful to read about them. Without much(prenominal) introspection, women seemed stupid therefore, they were considered unfit for education therefore, they werent given an education therefore they seemed stupid. (Joan Acocella, Turning the Page. Review of The cleaning lady Reader by Belinda Jack Yale University Press, 2012. The New Yorker, October 15, 2012) * From the website of California Literacy, Inc. The literacy rate in the US has many an(prenominal) a(prenominal) educators in search of answers about this problem that has plagued our country for decades.Instead of decreasing, the numbers of literacy has steadily increased over the geezerhood. This raises a lot of questions about our education system, how it is ran, and why there is such a problem with illiterate people in our country. (quoted by The New Yorker, Nov. 22, 2010) Pronunciation LIT-er-eh-see Language * Six Common Myths roughly Language * detect Dates in the History of the inc line Language * Introduction to Etymology Word Histories Elsewhere on the Web * The subject field Institute for Literacy (US) * The Literacy Project* National Literacy Trust (UK) Resources for Writers * Reference Works for Writers and Editors * Grammar and Usage Advice Sites * Sites for Correcting Common Sentence Errors link up Articles * orality definition and examples of orality * illiteracy definition and examples of illiteracy * aliteracy definition and examples of aliteracy * Adult Education What Is Adult Education * pen Degree Do I Need a paternity Degree Richard Nordquist Grammar opus Guide * under possess up for My tidingsletter * Headlines * Forum Advertisement.Related Searches achieving gender equality paulo freire education curbing population growth full of life consciousness paulo freire personal empowerment Explore Grammar Composition Must Reads * What Is Grammar? * Euphemisms for Death * Commonly dislocated Words * 400 Essay Topics * Introductions to 30 Figures of Speech Most Popular * What Is a Metaphor? * Writing Topics Argument * Top 20 Figures of Speech * 400 Writing Topics * metaphor See More About * english language By Category * Writing Tips * Business Writing * Correcting Errors * English Grammar * Punctuation Mechanics.* typography Sentences * Words * Composing Paragraphs * Composing Essays * Rhetoric and Style * Exercises and Quizzes * editions and Resources * Grammar Rhetoric Glossary Grammar Composition 1. About. com 2. Education 3. Grammar Composition 4. Grammar Rhetoric Glossary 5. Icon Lower Case 6. literacy definition and examples of literacy * Advertise on About. com * Our Story * News Events * SiteMap * All Topics * Reprints * Help * Write for About * Careers at About * User Agreement * Ethics insurance policy * Patent Info. * Privacy Policy * Your Ad Choices 2013 About. com. All rights reserved.The Greatest Literacy Challenges Facing Contemporary blue check initiate Teachers Implications for unes sential Teacher Preparation Mary B. Campbell Saint Xavier University Margaret M. Kmiecik Saint Xavier University Secondary teachers face significant scraps in their efforts to increase the literacy levels of childishs. Encouraging teachers to speak out about these challenges and to recommend initiatives that may alter literacy practices for adolescents is vital for next reform efforts. This theater examines the questions What are the superior literacy challenges facing lofty school content area teachers? and What volition swear out to diminish these challenges? The data collection questionnaire was distributed to teachers in eight graduate(prenominal) schools throughout the greater moolah area. A discussion of the mentations suggests compelling directions for auxiliary teachers and teacher educators. 2 Reading Horizons, 2004, 4, (1) WHILE SEVERAL REFORMS in uplifted education teacher preparation have made a difference in more teachers being highly prepared and quali fied (Smylie, Bay, Tozer, 1999), preparing teachers to meet the literacy demands of standby schoolchilds smooth remains inadequate.Improving literacy learning in our nations high schools needs serious elevation as an educational priority at all levels. The 2002 NAEP (National Association for Educational Progress) Report indicates that 36 part of disciples in grade 12 performed at a effective level, indicating that only a little over one-third of our nations high school seniors can understand challenging physical (Feller, 2003). This was a decline in performance from 1998 when the NAEP account the percentageage of seniors who performed at the proficient level as 40 percent (U. S. Department of Education, 1999).Additionally the 1998 report states that no more than 6 percent of the adolescents performed at the advanced level which demonstrates students ability to analyze and extend the meaning of the materials they read. The NAEP data hike up show more than one-third of the students did not demonstrate competence at a basic level of literacy. The International Reading Association has taken a substantial leadership role in elevating circumspection to middle school and secondary literacy issues by establishing the commission on Adolescent Literacy in 1997 (Rycik Irvin, 2001).The work of this Commission resulted in the published document, Adolescent Literacy A Position Statement (Moore, Bean, Birdyshaw, Rycik, 1999), which recommends principles for teachers to consider when supporting the literacy growth of secondary students. Still much more comprehensive work needs to be done as challenges til now persist and teachers, administrators, and staff developers have asked for more examples of practices that might re unused and revitalize their efforts for middle and high school students (Rycik Irvin, 2001, p.4).Teaching has greatly increased in range and complexity over the last decade. Teachers now find themselves in highly pressured environments (Pin cas, 2002). Faced with the reality of overcrowded classrooms, high stakes testing, and precedents-based environments, using teachingal practices that move students to higher levels of thinking through more authentic forms of learning are lost.Additional factors Secondary Teaclher Literacy Clhallenges 3that compound the situation are high student mobility, absenteeism, minimal student engagement, misbehavior, missing homework, cultural and linguistic variation, circumscribed needs, and increasing numbers of students from poverty and single parent households (Alvermann, Hinchman, Moore, Phelps, Waff, 1998).Regardless of the number or degree of challenges, teachers still remain accountable for fostering literacy growth among all students. Efforts to improve literacy learning for secondary students must take seriously the realities and challenges persistent in todays high schools.Reform theorists who suggest utility can be made through a series of workshops, enhanced applied sc ience, sanctions and the like, (Smylie, Bay, Tozer, 1999, p. 59) are naive at best. A new persona requires comprehensive and systemic change. It likewise requires a serious re-orientation towards broad organizational, political, and economic presuppositions on which definition and acquisition of change must be based. Moreover, it involves a commitment to directting teachers at the forefront of the reform process. Valencia and Wixson (2000) represent that it is time for the voices of teachers to be heard.Without empowered professional voices, we lose the potential for constructing serious reform. Emerging Directions If students are to secure high literacy standards, evidence strongly suggests that what teachers know and can do is one of the more important factors influencing student achievement. (Darling-Hammond, 1999, p. 228). query also makes it clear that if teachers are to negotiate the demands of new standards and new students, they must have access to a deeper base of kn owledge and expertise than most teacher preparation programs now provide (Darling-Hammond, 1999, p.229). composition several studies have looked at reform in teacher preparation programs, Schwartz (1996) concluded that reform changes in teacher preparation have resulted in little more than adjusting on the margins (p. 3). Particularly troubling, in secondary teacher preparation, is the limited attention given to the challenges existing in schools in which future teachers must help students to achieve literacy, and the problems 4 Reading Horizons, 2004, 4, (1) of schooling in a broader social context.Moreover, in many states, secondary teacher preparation programs include a requirement of a content area reading course, whereas in other states there is no equivalent requirement. This has remained literally unchanged for years, even as secondary students poke out to struggle with reading and writing throughout the high school curriculum. The wide-spread standards movement has made som e push in requiring newly certified teachers to demonstrate competency on specific literacy knowledge and performance indicators.However, the sagacity of what is needed to teach content area literacy in secondary schools requires more than one course, and/or a few standards. Connecting Two Distinct Communities Education can no longer be seen as an sole(a) function, and the tralatitious structures cannot remain isolated from social change. Faculties in colleges and universities and the practicing teachers in secondary schools have no picking but to adjust to new paradigms. While it is now more roughhewn to find partnerships and institutional collaborations amidst university faculty and secondary teachers, many of these need redefinition.In many partnerships, practicing teachers have related there has not been a high level of reciprocity, as the universities are too dominant (Campbell, 2002, p. 22). Each entity must put into the equation improvement strategies that are meaningf ul to their respective organizations that is, they need to identify areas where they truly need help from one another. Then institutionally and programmatically, they need to find ways to work together to make those mean improvements a reality (Howey Zimpher, 1999, p. 299).High school teachers and teacher educators alike are looking to move beyondyet another good idea to realize reconceptualization and transformation for secondary literacy education. This means engaging high school teachers in the process of secondary teacher preparation, determining what factors pose the great challenges to literacy development and using this knowledge as a cornerstone for improving Secondary Teaclher Literacy Clhallenges literacy practices in schools. Failure to confront these challenges in effect volition undoubtedly compromise the ability of teachers to serve as effective agents of change.PurposeThe purpose of this get word was to identify the problems secondary teachers face that impede li teracy learning in the classrooms and to yield certifyation that may inform the preparation of future secondary teachers. Two broad questions emerged to guide this involve o What are the greatest literacy challenges facing high school content area teachers? e What result help to diminish these challenges for afoot(predicate) and/or future high school teachers? The Study ParticipatingS chools and Teachers The schools that participated in this study included eight high schools, seven public and one private.The researchers purposely selected the schools to ensure ethnic diversity as well as urban and suburban representation. Six of the high schools represented grades 10-12 and two included grades 9-12. The school principals granted liberty to graduate students enrolled in a Masters Degree Program in Reading to place the High School Literacy Survey in the school mailboxes of the teachers. A total of 450 questionnaires, including a cover letter and a stamped return envelope, were di stributed to 9-12 teachers.Two hunared and two questionnaires were returned, realizing a return rate of 45 percent. There were no execute attempts to obtain a higher return rate. Most replyents (71 percent) had advanced degrees beyond the B. A. or B. S. among these were 68 percent with a M. A. and 3 percent with a Ph. D. Teachers from 18 different subject area fields responded to the regard. English (18 percent), mathematics (16 percent), and science (15 percent) teachers comprised the mass of participants. The remaining teachers represented the following subjects art (3 percent), 5.6 ReadingHorizons, 2004, 45, (1) business (4 percent), technology (4 percent), drivers education (1 percent), foreign language (6 percent), history (7 percent), library (1 percent), music (1 percent), physical education (3 percent), reading (1 percent), communicate/television (1 percent), social studies (8 percent), special education (3 percent), theology (3 percent), and vocational education (4 p ercent). Teachers with more than 10 years of experience accounted for 63 percent of the sample, while 37 percent had 10 years or less.Teachers operative in suburban areas surrounding the greater Chicago area comprised the majority (67 percent) of the sample population, with the remaining 33 percent coming from urban schools. Forty-four percent described their schools as predominately diverse ( 50 percent), 32 percent considerably diverse (30-50 percent minority), 17 percent somewhat diverse (10-30 percent minority) and 7 percent primarily white (less than 10 percent minority). The Questionnaire We collected the data from a survey instrument, High School.Literacy Survey, designed and constructed by us. The questionnaire requested two types of information * objective, relating to educational degrees, content field of study, years of inform experience, diversity of school population * subjective, relating to opinions and values in teaching and learning The subjective portion of the survey was comprised of two broad questions. The first question asked teachers to identify 5 of the 20 factors that posed the greatest challenges in helping their students to attain literacy in their subject field.Respondents wrote the issue 1 next to the statement representing their greatest challenge, the numeral 2 next to the statement representing their next greatest challenge, and so forth through the numeral 5. (See Appendix) The xx statements, defined as challenges, were derived from the literature on content area reading. An extensive review of the literature Secondary Teaclher Literacy Clhallenges 7 resulted in identifying twenty challenges, however, these may not represent all possible factors and they may not represent factors that teachers would have included if they were to construct the questionnaire.A space was provided for teachers entitled other for their convenience in identifying additional factors that pose as challenges. Since no specific theory was place to serve as a foundation for the selection of factors, they represent an eclectic representation. Additionally, the factors were not defined on the questionnaire, indicating that a singular definition cannot be assumed and that the factors may represent multiple meanings in the field. The second question invited the teachers to respond openly to the question, What do you believe get out help to diminish these challenges for current and/or future high school teachers? Findings Percentages were used to report the data on the high school teachers perceptions about the factors that challenge them most in helping their students to achieve literacy in their subject area. Table 1. Percentage Responses of Factors that Represent the Greatest Literacy Challenges Factors Percent 1 2 3 4 5 Total Assessment of student learning 2 1 1 2 2 8 Classroom environment 1 2 1 2 6 Classsize 4 4 6 8 5 27 Cultural and language diversity 1 1 2 among students Curriculum 1 2_ 1A _3 7. 8 Reading Horizons, 200 4, 45, (1) Factors Percent 1 2 3 4 5 Total Helping students to construct.meaning from text Helping students interpret artistic production in text Helping students to learn and use critical thinking skills Helping students to locate and trick up information Helping students to understand concepts and vocabulary Homework issues Integrating technology for teaching and learning Selecting materials for teaching and learning Organizing and managing the classroom for learning State/district/school standards for students Struggling readers Student motivation/ fill/attitudes 3 6 6 7 7 1 1 3 2 16 8 12 11 12 1 5 5 4 3 8 3 6 11 12 5 8 10 6 7 1 5 2 1 3 1 4 1 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 9 9 8 8 8.33 17 17 8 7 1 5 5 5 3 19 29 7 59 18 40 36 12 5 8 6 42 82 Students with special needs Secondary Teacher Literacy Chiallenges Factors Percent 1 2 3 4 5 Total Students who lack study skills 11 13 13 13 7 57 Writing skills of students 2 8 5 7 8 30 (A ranking scale, with 1 meaning greatest challenge, 2 next great est challenge, and so forth) The top five challenges as reported in Table 1 were * student motivation, interests, and attitudes (33 percent) o helping students to learn and use critical thinking skills (16 percent) o students who lack study skills (11 percent) o seek readers (9 percent).o helping students to understand concepts and vocabulary (8 percent). The least(prenominal) perceived challenges were cultural and language diversity among students (2 percent) and selecting materials for teaching and learning (5 percent). Examining the data of the largest responding pigeonholings of content area teachers, English, mathematics, and science, yielded exchangeable findings. All three of these groups identified the same top two challenges as did the total group. The English, mathematics, and science teachers third, ordinal and fifth rankings were * English (3) homework issues (4) students who lack study skills. (5) writing skills of students o Mathematics (3) students who lack st udy skills 9 iO Reading Horizons, 2004, 45, (1) (4) homework issues (5) helping students to locate and organize information e Science (3) students who lack study skills (4) helping students to understand concepts and vocabulary (5) helping students to construct meaning from text The teachers were also asked to respond to the following openended question, What do you believe go forth help to diminish these challenges for current and/or future high school teachers? Seventyseven percent of the teachers wrote responses to this question.The resppnses were grouped by similar topics from which themes emerged. Table 2 reports the percentages of the most frequently occurring responses to the open-ended question. Table 2. ascendants and Percentages of Responses for Confronting the Greatest Challenges Most Frequent Responses by Theme Percent Better basic skills instruction in elementary schools 64 More parent responsibility and support 58 Mandatory comprehension of critical 39 thinkin g questions on all assessments Study skills classes for incoming students 33 I Iimprove teacher preparation/more methods for 28 secondary teachers.Greater respect and support from society 20 working/useful staff development 11 Secondary TeachterLiteracy Challenges 11 Most Frequent Responses by Theme Percent Teacher task forces making policy decisions 9 instead of politicians and administrators Complete restructuring of the current traditional 7 education model A center at each high school for struggling readers The most common responses cited by the majority of teachers to confront the greatest challenges (Table 2) were best(p) basic skills instruction in elementary schools (64 percent) and more parent responsibility and support (58 percent).Sample responses given by less than 50 percent of the teachers were mandatory inclusion of critical thinking questions on all assessments (39 percent), study skills classes for incoming students (33 percent), and improvement of teacher prepar ation with more methods for secondary teachers (28 percent). Discussion The results of this study provide insight for the continuing efforts to improve the literacy levels of secondary students. They are, however, neither exclusive nor exhaustive.They are offered with no claim for the universality or total generalizability, but they are offered as a common ground for thinking. Student Motivation andA ttitudes High school teachers identified student motivation to read, write, and do other literacy-related activities as their greatest challenge. The teachers written comments on questionnaires indicated that much of the class-assigned reading is often boring and not relevant to the students own interests and experiences. They also stated that the students who will not read are as much at a disadvantage as those who cannot.Student 12 Reading Horizons, 2004, 45, (1) motivation was bedded the greatest challenge of all for the participating teachers. The dilemma of identifying and impleme nting strategies to motivate adolescents is not new to literacy practice. The data from this study confirm what the research (Alexander Filler, 1976 Au Asam, 1996 Benware Deci, 1984 Collins-Block, 1992 Guthrie Alao, 1997 Schraw, Brunning, Svoboda, 1995) has documented over time that student motivation, interests, and attitudes are indeed authentic challenges.Teaching adolescents to become active, motivated, and selfregulated learners is a continuing issue in secondary schools. It is during the adolescent years when reading motivation and attitudes appear to worsen, especially for poor readers (McKenna, Kear, Ellsworth, 1995). Serious attempts to advance literacy skills require interventions that speak motivation and attitudes as much as interventions that assure cognitive changes in the learners (Verhoevan Snow, 2001). This generally does not happen.motivational constructs are usually not given significant vigilance in relation to student knowledge and thinking, and at best , are given only passing and superficial attention. A further problem is that standard reading texts and uniform curricula make life somewhat easier for teachers and administrators, but they make it very difficult for students to get involved with the material at the level that is right for them, and therefore to find intrinsic rewards in learning. In the classroom, the teacher is the key element in motivating students to learn.The responsibility is great and the ramifications even greater, yet many responding high school teachers stated they were not adequately prepared in their teacher preparation programs with the knowledge, skills, and instructional strategies to ignite the spirit of their students. These teachers indicated they want more ideas, support, and freedom within the school curriculum to take the lead, and more ways to experience first-hand, in-field, motivational issues in their teacher preparation programs. Critical Thinking Skills.Teaching critical thinking skills w as the second greatest challenge for teachers. Large numbers of teachers indicated they feel underSecondary Teachter Literacy Clhallenges 13 prepared in pedagogical methods to help studenis conceptualize problems and solutions. Assisting adolescents to become proficient with these skills is a prodigious challenge for secondary teachers. The force for abstraction, for discovering patterns and meanings, generalizing, evaluating, and theorizing is the very essence of critical thinking and exploration.For most students in the United States and throughout the world, formal education entails just the opposite kind of learning. Rather than construct meaning for themselves, meanings are imposed upon them. Frequently, students often collect a large number of facts along the way, yet these facts are not central to their education they will live their adult lives in a world in which most facts learned years before (even including some historical ones) will have changed or have been reinterpr eted.Whatever data they need will be available to them at the touch of a computer key. If students are to learn critical thinking skills, teachers must teach them and engage their students in genuine problem solving discussion. Generally these skills are best, and belike only taught and assessed, through extended discourse. This is difficult to do in crowded classes where it is near to impossible to throw out extended discussions. The commitment to teaching these skills in all content areas means gaining support from the public.It also means that teachers must gain the knowledge and skills to do so through teacher preparation programs and inservice education, winning into account the real-life situations and parameters in todays classrooms. Study Skills Students who lack study skills ranked as the third greatest challenge to teachers. The importance of study skills has been documented over time in the professional literature (Flood Lapp, 1995). What is known is that many people of all ages have difficulty reading and learning, largely because they are not using trance techniques or good learning habits.Often, the adolescents who are dropping out of schools are doing so because they believe they carnot learn. For the majority of these students, they lack suitable reading and study techniques, which 14 Reading Horizons, 2004, 45(1) impede their growth in learning and contribute to their negative beliefs about themselves and school. Although most secondary teachers have a thorough understanding qf their subject, many responding teachers in this study indicated they lack the knowledge of instructional/study strategies by which to help students internalize the concepts.Research shows that with an organized system of study, students can increase their comprehension of subject matter up to 50 percent (Annis, 1983). As nations seek to take care adolescents in gaining higher levels of literacy, the knowledge and skills that teachers need to teach their students e ffective study habits and strategies may likely become central to the curriculum in secondary teacher preparation programs and in the curriculum of secondary schools. Struggling Readers Struggling readers ranked as the fourth greatest challenge to the high school teachers.Teachers responded that these students can be found hiding out in content classrooms. They frequently are passive and disengaged. , Many have found coping strategies to help (them get by, but they do not significantly improve their literacy skills or their knowledge in the content areas. I Although comprehension of text material is difficult and sometimes impossible for struggling readers, there are research-based strategies that have proven to be prosperous when used with struggling readers.One such strategy is instructional scaffolding, an effective strategy that gives students a better chance to be successful than if left on their own (Vacca, 2002). Pedagogy, which includes instructional techniques for diverse learners, is glossed over in many teacher preparation programs for secondary teachers. However, it is as important in the preparation of high school teachers as is cognitive knowledge (Darling-Hammond, 2000). If high school teachers are to make substantial contributions to all adolescents, it will require more knowledge of relevant instructional methodologies.Darling-Hammond (2000) found that teacher subject-matter knowledge was related to student achievement only up to a certain point. Secondary Teacher Literacy Challenges 15 Marzano (2003) asserts that the importance of the descent between pedagogical knowledge and student achievement has been consistently reported in the research literature. Furthermore, in a study conducted by Ferguson and Womack (1993), they found that the number of courses teachers took in instructional techniques accounted for four times the divergency in teacher performance and student achievement than did subject-matter knowledge.Teachers stated that more information about how to assist the struggling readers in their classrooms is sorely needed in preservice teacher education programs. Additionally they need to know that the strategies and support to assist these learners are realistic for todays classrooms. Key Concepts and Vocabulary Helping students to understand concepts and vocabulary ranked as the fifth greatest challenge. Every subject area has its own vocabulary and modes of argument, and its language is the common denominator for learning subject matter knowledge.Vacca and Vacca (2002) agree they state, Vocabulary must be taught well enough to overthrow potential barriers to students understanding of texts as well as to promote a longterm acquisition of the language of a content area (p. 160-161). Teachers want more knowledge about ways to teach vocabulary and concepts to adolescents, strategies that will provide adolescents with a deeper and richer entry into the content area of study, and strategies that will work in th e classrooms of today.Intriguing Findings It is a noteworthy finding that the cultural and language diversity among students in the classrooms was not identified among the greatest challenges. The majority of teachers in this study were from diverse schools, and yet only two percent ranked this to be a challenge. Equally notable was the fact that state, district, and school standards, writing skills, and integrating technology were not identified among the greatest challenges. 16 Reading Horizons, 2004, 45, (1).Of all the findings, the most revealing was that provided by the drivers education teachers whereas every other content-area group of teachers, albeit art, music, business, foreign language, etc. , ranked student motivation as the greatest challenge, they did not. This is not surprising as it supports the findings of this study as well as long standing research in the field, as cited in Marzano, 2003. The hypothesis being that when motivated, students strive to learn.