Harold Lasswell Essay Example for Free

Harold Lasswell Essay Harold Lasswell, political scientist, defines politics as a power struggle about who gets what, when, and how. David Easton defines politics as an allocation of resources. David Easton defines politics as the authoritative allocation of values or scarce resources. These resources are divided in three general types. Describe these types. The three resources are: 1. Political resources: This resource refers to the country’s power, prestige, and status, backed by their military power.  They are called scarce resources because they are looked at in the hierarchical arrangement in the world order. 2. Economic resources: This resource includes the state’s financial resources (wealth, annual national income, supply of capital, and investment opportunities), industrial and agricultural production, and natural resources (oil, coal, water, and mineral resources). These are also scarce resources as well such as Oil and Water. We must consider we can do without Oil but not Water.  It is possible we might see water wars likely in the 21st century. 3. Social and cultural resources: This resource is related, not directly, to the global struggle for power (The struggle to compete for and reach dominance in an organization, a state, a region of the world, or the whole world). Unlike the other two resources, these resources are scarce and unequally distributed around the globe. As if you were a policy decision maker, recommend to your President which of these resources the government should focus on acquiring. As a policy decision maker, I would recommend to my President to utilize all three resources. I really believe I would tell the President to be more accountable with all the resources. I would recommend to our President to choose the Economic resource first. I chose this first because of our country is facing at this moment are tremendous hardships. Because we did not get ourselves in this situation, we are facing what the previous President’s decision and we are cleaning up now. Discuss how you can achieve the maximum allocation for the resources you choose. I really believe that I would have done by taxing all like the President has. I would also give back like he has done by giving back 5% of his income. All the congress would have to give back 5% of their income. I would cut back on the costs of entertaining that goes on within the White House. The traveling costs and the entertaining would have to balance each other out. The second that I would choose Education and jobs as well as healthcare is my next goal. I would make sure the Veterans and the Seniors as well as the people who are disable.

Better Than Essay Essay Example for Free

Better Than Essay Essay Education is one of the most important factors that determine where we go and succeed in life. While private schools have a limited acceptance rate, public schools by law are to accept all children. Public schools have a larger variety of subjects available than most private schools. There are many reasons why public schools are better than private schools. Even though attending a private school may seem luxurious and prestigious, the reasons why most people choose public schools over private schools is because it saves money, education is guaranteed, offers a variety of programs, teaches students responsibility and independence, and prepares individuals to be critical thinkers. A reason why most people believe that public schools are better than private schools is because there is no cost for school tuition. Public schools allow free education, which enables everyone to have the equal opportunity to be educated. Instead of paying thousands of dollars on education in a private school, most parents choose to save that money to pay for their child’s college tuition. Attending a private school can be very costly, for example Oaks Christian’s school tuition is approximately $30,000 a year. The cost of attending that school is just about the same price as attending a college or a university. There are families who struggle with the economy and are put under difficult financial situations. This makes it difficult for the parents to pay for their child’s high school and college. This is one of the greatest advantages about public schools. The main purpose of public schools is to educate everyone. In 2001, the United States Congress reauthorized the No Child Left Behind Act. This act included Title 1, which is the government’s aid program for the disadvantaged students. This act makes sure that no child is left behind from education. The act also requires the state to develop assessments in basics skill that is given to each child in different grade levels. There are multiple families who come from different countries that place t heir child into a public school. The child cannot be denied the right of education due to law and obtains the equal rights of education just like  everyone else. While most private schools have certain requirements for a child to be accepted into the school, public schools ensure that every student is given education. There are multiple programs for all different types of students who attend a public school. There are programs for children with specials needs and disabilities, which allows them to have opportunities like others. Sparkles, which is a national special needs cheerleading program offered at most public schools, allows those who are disabled to feel like they belong and are a part of the student body. However, at private schools they offer a limited number of classes available that one can take, while public schools have a wide range of classes that one can choose from. A great thing about public schools is that they offer different level courses, which allows students to challenge themselves and discover what they are capable of doing by going the extra mile. While in school, kids with special needs and disabilities have the opportunity to have teachers who can work with them individually and help them grow as a student as well as an individual. There are a number of programs such as Data, Honors, IB and AP classes that are available to students who are interested in challenging themselves academically. Public schools deliver real world surroundings with an environment that is much more diverse. Students are more prepared and have a sense of adult life in a public school setting. Most private school classes are small, which gives each child the individual attention they need. From prior experience, a teacher at a private school gives much more attention to students than needed. The guidance that they give towards the students are not particularly helping, but preventing one from taking responsibility and retaining independence. Teachers at a private school have a closer watch on their students’ day to day actions and are concerned with how students should act in a certain way. In public schools, kids are left to distinguish on what is right and wrong. This helps students become more mature young adults and requires students to take responsibility for their own actions. In public schools, students are exposed to greater ideas that allow them to be more creative. Public schools help students figure out who they are as a person individually. While attending a private school, there are certain requirements and standards on how a student should be. There are more strict rules and regulations, which keeps students away from obtaining  outside knowledge. There is not a great amount of creativity and everyone is expected to act and behave a certain way in a private school. Religion is one of the huge aspects that shape the school’s view. Everyone is expected to follow and obtain the same beliefs, whereas a public school, it is based on your point of view. While parents are paying for their child to obtain a greater education with much needed help and care, it is also hurting the child academically from gaining their own knowledge and independence. Due to a public school class size compared to a private school, students have teachers who are constantly available to help and assist each individual. Compared to a public school class, students in a private school class are being spoon-fed by teachers, who attempt to help students succeed but are actually not enabling students to think on their own. Even though public schools have a substantial amount of students compared to private schools, this allows students to be more exposed to the school environment and to be more critical thinkers. Later in your adult life, it is up to you to make wise decisions. No one is going to tell you what is wrong and right. Public and private schools are very discrete from each other. In life, everyone is faced with various obstacles that require making right decisions with a great sense of responsibility. With the exposure to a diverse community and place of creativity, it will help prepare you towards your road to success and to become a critical thinker in the future. These are reasons to consider why attending a public school is so much better than a private school. It teaches you to have self-determination and to become a successful individual.

Comparison Of The Eu And Asean Regional System Politics Essay

Comparison Of The Eu And Asean Regional System Politics Essay The Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, stated: The EU and ASEAN are two successful examples of regional integration in the world [] ASEANs integration is advancing. It is developing its institutions and organise experience.  [1]  Todays new regionalism intends to provide solutions to developmental problems, but many believe that these problems are also the source of many internal conflicts. This new regionalism is based on territorial size and economies of scale as the traditional one, but it also explains new fears from the new century.  [2]  The European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are seen as examples, because both of them are part of the regionalism approach.  [3]   Some academics consider the EU as a world model in miniature or even as a blueprint for other regions,  [4]  while others believe that this model can be transferred to areas such as the ASEAN. Thus, the European Commission (EC) has stated that the EU supports those regions that want to emulate us.  [5]  However, many non-Europeans have insisted on how difficult it is to transfer the European model, because of the disparities in their history and socio-cultural background, their values and ideas, rule of law,  [6]  degree of institutionalization, objectives and praxis, and so on.  [7]   Despite these differences, there are some commonalities; for instance, both regions emphasize integrity and respect of national sovereignty. Although, they differ in level and channels, the European region applies the subsidiarity concept, while the Asian area believes in the principle of non-interference. In addition, both regions must tackle the new concept of security, like growth, stability, poverty alleviation, uncontrolled migration flows, energy, climate change, etc., based on their historical development, systemic geopolitical and economic constraints, and finally their domestic organisation and consensus.  [8]  For this reason, the analysis of issues, such as the uncontrolled flows of migrations in ASEAN and the EU, would increase our understanding of the different measures adopted in many areas as well as the features of their integration. At this initial point, some questions arise: how can we compare the different regionalization processes? To what extent is it interesting to compare these two regions? Is new regionalism an opportunity to solve social problems? Thus, the goal of this research is to understand their commonalities and divergences of these two regions based on two episodes at sea involving immigrants. These episodes are not referred to the political or economical field as they used to be; by contrast, they are based on immigration policy. I chose this example because it also reflects degrees of integration, relation with social policies, human rights, and international law. It is not only a good example to understand their different integration processes, but it is also a polemic situation for both regions. This study is divided into five sections. The first section will introduce the theoretical framework in which this study is supported. The second one will examine selected cases about immigration problems in the area of the Mediterranean coast within the EU area. The third section will explain the problems involved with the Burmese refugees in the South East coast within the ASEAN framework. The fourth part will compare both integration processes. These cases will help to exemplify the differences and similarities of both regions, and at the same time, they will allow us to explore how effective are regional systems to benefit or protect their population. Finally, the conclusion will open doors for further research and improvement in the systems. 2. Theoretical framework Different theoretical approaches have been applied for this kind of studies. On one hand, realist, constructivist and liberal approaches have been applied for the study of the role of ideas and interests.  [9]  For instance, the constructivist approach states that in heterogeneous and newly formed regional groupings interregionalism may stimulate regional identity-building.  [10]  The realist approach, however, highlights power and balances as essential characteristics of inter- and transregional relations  [11]  . On the other hand, in the last two decades new theoretical approaches have been developed, namely globalisation and regionalisation.  [12]   Globalization is part of a process of internalization, and it is related to governance, since it implies the need to find alternatives for sustainable development, efficient and transparent government, as well as civic participation. Moreover, it has respected the rule of law and a system of rights.  [13]  Many scholars understand it as a reform of the international system since the end of the Cold War,  [14]  a phenomenon which in some way undermines the power of the states and their territorial dimension. Some governments are reluctant to reduce the impact of globalization to protect their territorial control. Regionalism is thus one of the best formulas,  [15]  because Some issues can best be handled at the regional level among states that are heavily involved in overlapping interests.  [16]  Although the traditional economic model, through its dialogue and cooperation  [17]  in economy, trade  [18]  and binding arrangements  [19]  among States, has fav oured regionalism as a means of stabilizing the area, some scholars have emphasized a series of differences which are significant for the development of this paper: Old regionalism New regionalism Formed in a bipolar Cold War system Formed in a multipolar world Created from above (superpower intervention) Spontaneous process from the regions. Need of cooperation to tackle new global challenges Inward oriented and protectionist in economic terms Open, compatible with an interdependent world economy Specific objectives Comprehensive, multidimensional process Concerned with relations among nation states Global structural transformation, non-state actors are active and operating at several levels. Harmonization of trade policies leading to deeper economic integration, with political integration as a possible future result. Transformation of a region from relative heterogeneity to increased homogeneity in regard to: culture, security, economic policies and political regimes. Source: Own elaboration (based on Bjà ¶rn Hettne, Globalization, the new regionalism, and East Asia) The New regionalism expanded the regional framework beyond European borders. Today, ASEAN has become the second most advanced regional system,  [20]  and its general purposes are: (1) to secure peace; (2) to provide external security; (3) to carry out economic tasks; (4) to address environmental issues; and (5) to secure human rights.  [21]  Brian Dai argued that the EU is the best example to demonstrate that regional integration is the best solution to regional peace and security as well as bringing common welfare to the population.  [22]   European integration: the case of immigrants at sea and their rights The EU is the oldest regional system; although it is still changing, not only in structure, but also deepening its policies, it is a unique supranational institutional entity with specific characteristics: (1) collective memory of the devastation of WW II; (2) overcrowded region in terms of population and the number of states; (3) similar political system; (4) alike social welfare systems; and (5) relatively similar culture and religion.  [23]   In 2004, the Hague programme, called Strengthening Freedom, Security and Justice in the EU, was adopted; it is based on one of the main objectives of the EU: to create an area of freedom, security and justice. It adopted common legislative instruments and improvement of coordination of national policies, practical cooperation, and regular information exchange between Member States (MSs) and the Commission.  [24]  In this context, it is important to clarify the definition of illegal immigration given by the Commission: it includes third-country nationals who enter the territory of a MS illegally by land, sea and air.  [25]   MSs accepted to create a common immigration policy at EU level. The Commissions proposals had become EU legislation; in 2005 a debate was re-launched with the Green Paper on an EU approach to managing economic migration; later that year, a Policy Plan on Legal Migration was adopted listing the actions and legislative initiatives. In September 2007, the Commission presented the Third Annual Report on Migration and Integration, which monitors the process of admission and integration of third-country immigrants in the EU.  [26]   The EU developed a Global Approach to migration which supports general principles such as subsidiarity, solidarity, human rights, fundamental freedoms, access to asylum, and Geneva Convention,  [27]  thourgh which foster cooperation with third countries, particularly in the Mediterranean. This approach is within the European Neighbourhood Policy framework through bilateral dialogues. However, the approach and adoption of those general principles sought to be endured by strong political committeemen, particularly because resources should be mobilised to fight smuggling and trafficking networks, and protect the immigrants asking for asylum.  [28]   There are some cases described below in which immigrants have been found in waters of the Mediterranean sea. Initially, they were not rescued because of MSs national interests. Additionally, many other cases have been reported during recent years.  [29]   The first case took place in May 2007: an Italian news agency informed that 27 men coming from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Niger, Senegal and Togo asked for help to a Maltese trawlers tuna fish pen, Budafel. The ship-owner did not provide assistance to the immigrants. In the meantime, Maltese and Libyan authorities were engaged in diplomatic dialogues to clarify who had to take responsibility for the immigrants; the Italian Coastguard was notified about the incident and took the responsibility for them.  [30]   The second case also was in May 2007: 26 people were recued by the Spanish tug Monfalco. This boat was between Libya and Malta waters. The ship-owner did not have space on board for all the immigrants, but Maltese authorities refused to allow the people to disembark. The Spanish government thus made the decision to bring them to Spain. They claimed that they could be possible applicants who appear to have come from the Ivory Coast, a country at war.  [31]  However, this humanitarian argument is not always used by the Spanish government, as was the case of the two ships Marine I and Happy Day. In both cases, Maltese authorities did not rescue the immigrants or arrange a safety place. Although there always is another side of the coin and Maltese officials declared and provided documents to defend themselves from these accusations. Despite this fact, Maltese authorities knew that Libya had not ratified the 1951 Geneva Convention, thus their practices towards immigrants or asylum seekers did not respect their rights. For this reason, Malta government violated art. 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), art. 33 of the Geneva Convention, art. 3 of the UN Convention against Torture and art. 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In addition, Malta authorities also infringed the International Maritime Legislation, which is related to the non refoulement principle.  [32]   These incidents prompted the Council to discuss a system of sharing responsibilities (COREPER).  [33]  In May 2008, COREPER drafted Return Directive, which stated that MSs were not obliged to assist the immigrants without legal costs. It was adopted by the European Parliament (EP) and Council at the end of the year, covering common standards and procedures for returning illegal immigrants.  [34]  The same year, the Joint Operation Nautilus was launched, which enhanced the control in Mediterranean borders.  [35]   By contrast, the EP did not share the same opinion and declared that MSs should respect the International Law on Human Rights, Asylum and Refugee Law, and ECHR, and that new legislation should be passes to fill the holes in the current law,  [36]  especially on the the rescue and detention operations of the immigrants.  [37]   4. ASEAN integration ASEAN integration started with abstract ideas, asymmetric national interests and competing for hegemony and born within a communist threat period.  [38]  Its members wanted to establish a new period outside the Cold War paradigm. The ASEAN was not created to solve conflicts among members, but rather to become a forum based on the non-interference principle where members could discuss issues not related with sensitive matters.  [39]   In this context, a new concept appears to support the economic integration, Confucian capitalism, but after the financial crisis in 1997 it lost supporters.  [40]  However, the economic integration originally was not the aim, a growing global competition forced ASEAN should pay more attention to these issues.  [41]  After the Free Trade Area (AFTA) was created, their cooperation has been deeper and covers service, finance, investment and monetary sectors.  [42]  Some scholars agree that ASEAN+3 process is even a more important and complex cooperation than ASEAN itself.  [43]  In 1998, during the 6th ASEAN Summit, the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA) was adopted promoting social development. The same year, ASEAN ministers on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication established the Action Plan on Social Safety Nets in Jakarta.  [44]   During the 3rd Meeting of ASEAN, Maung Htay, ASEAN Director-General of Immigration Department, stated that an improvement of the cooperation on immigration issues was required and accepted the idea of creating an Ad hoc High Level Experts Group on immigration issues organized in the Philippines 2000. In addition, Htay also declared that ASEAN Vision 2020 and HPA will contribute to conduct this matter.  [45]  Steps forward were undertaken when, during the 6th Meeting, a work programme was launched entailing practical initiatives and measures, and also the Plan of Action established in the Philippines 2000.  [46]  Moreover, in October 2007, during the 6th ASEAN Peoples Assembly (APA), the question of Myanmar and human rights was tackled, and the implications of the Human Rights Body in the ASEAN Charter, were discussed.  [47]   The situation of refugees and human rights are of concern, especially the Karen or Karenni, a Muslim ethnic group in Burma. Thailand shares about 2000 km of border with Burma with a great flow of refugees,  [48]  and around 140.000 refugees live in nine camps in Thailand,  [49]  a situation shared by countries like Malaysia, Bangladesh and India. The subhuman conditions of these refugees is complicated, because new generations have been born in the camps and they are forbidden to leave,  [50]  and suffer harasment and abuses from smugglers, detention, discrimination.  [51]  The Thai government, however, pays no attention to international organizations and wants to send them back to Myanmar, allowing no more boats to disembark on its coasts.  [52]  The main problem is that neither Thailand nor other asylum countries for Burmese refugees had not signed the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees or the 1967 Protocol.  [53]  To them, refugees are illegal immigrants.  [5 4]   ASEAN has a policy of constructive engagement, but it is more complex since it has semi-supporters as China and India, interested in its natural resources. ASEAN members failed to tackle this question in March 2009,  [55]  and in the Bali Process in Indonesia. The issue was not discussed at the plenary session or in the concluding statement.  [56]  The Working Group for ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism remind the Myanmar Government that it should respect the fundamental rights of its citizens. It also recalls that its entrance in 1997 compromised a long-term plan towards democratization. In fact, Myanmar has to achieve the ASEAN Vision 2010 as well, in which its Working Group declared, a peaceful and stable Southeast Asia, where the causes for conflict have been eliminated through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law.  [57]   Comparison This comparison is based on Bà ¶rzells model  [58]  in which similarities and differences in regard to values and identity, institutional design, nature of rules, domestic level actors, and conflicts among them are identified. This section will discuss the differences which are subdivided into five components: ideas, institutionalization, domestic level, political field, and economic field. The cases we saw above illustrate these disparities and similitudes and this comparison should shed some light to better understand the reactions, mechanisms, channels, behaviours, further steps, etc. Similarities Despite controversial opinions, the EU and ASEAN have several similarities, which have been pointed out by Underhill.  [59]  But in spite of these similarities, Park and Kim  [60]  added that both regions have a sense of Community and experienced similar difficulties during the current financial crisis, while some academics would rather suggest that the ASEAN Economic Community is an idea inspired by the EEC and expressed in similar wording.  [61]   Both regions had to tackle similar security issues which raise new challenges. A holistic approach is required in order to face these new matters, and particularly to enhance immigration law and cooperation. The differences can be observed in the following figure (Franck et al., pp. 306-307): Differences Ideas European Union ASEAN After WW II, ideas generated by politicians Today politicians + intellectuals + society Project based on idealistic concepts from intellectuals France and Germany alliance China and Japan still working Germany recognized its war crimes Japan did not recognized them: reluctant to join ASEAN+3, proposals ASEAN+6 Horrors of WW II, origin of the integration in Europe Members do not have a common history Clear concept of Europe 27  [62]   Unclear concept of Asia: lack of clearly defined borders, common culture and religion Western values: democracy, respect of universal human rights, rule of law. They are codified and legally-binding Asian identity, Asian family, Asian Values: community, capitalism, and relativism Decoded and not legally-binding Identity based on 50 years of integration Asianism based on Sino-center world, protectionist tendencies, for centuries Cleavages based on social welfare between west and east are decreasing. There are not latent conflicts Strong cleavages based on ideology maintain latent conflicts between north and south EU is a contiguous landmass It is an enormous archipelago: difficulties for contacts, transport, mobility, etc. Source: Own elaboration based on the following authors: Kim, Berkofsky, Park Kim, Rà ¼land, Franck, Defraigne, Moriamà © et al. Institutionalization EU ASEAN High level institutionalization Low level institutionalization Common institutions built on treaties and rule of law. E.g. OSCE, Council, ECHR, etc. No common institutions built on voluntary commitments and weaker tradition of law. E.g. APEC, ASEM, ASF Democratic structure precondition for integration Network-style: interpersonal and informal relations US supported integration multilateralism US did/do not support integration, preference of bilateralism Philosophy: more complex issues, deeper institutionalization Philosophy: informal contacts and negotiations Alliances between official and civilian actors Civilian organizations started to be involve Lessons: formal and informal practices should coexist as well as strict and flexible tools Source: Own elaboration based on the following authors: Dong Heidul, Cuyvers, Berkofsky, Park Kim, Franck, Defraigne, Moriamà © et al. Domestic Level EU ASEAN Strong normative principles Need a set of normative principles, e.g. Myanmar is not only about HR Mix of Supranational and Intergovernmental structure: Commission (propose), Council and EP (pass or reject), and MS implement or sanction. Intergovernmental structure Decision-making process: unanimity, co-decision, assent, consultation Decision-making process: consensus and unanimity Harmonisation with strict legal basis Building harmonization, not legal basis Treaties Agreements Charter adopted 2007: propose framework and legal foundation, restructure mechanisms and improve decision-making process. Strengthen institutions.  [63]   Source: Own elaboration based on the following authors: Underhill, Laursen, Franck, Defraigne, Moriamà © et al. Political field EU ASEAN Far from a single political actor, but some consistency High level of fragmentation MS pool sovereignty in some areas = EU disposes deeper and more powerful mechanism of solidarity MS reluctant to pool sovereignty = national approach = less mechanism European Structural Funds Sub-regional cooperation, e.g. Informal and facilitated by ADB, who supplies technical, administrative and logistical support Fixed exchange rate system on macro-economic solidarity. E.g. wealthier countries support weaker Floating exchange rate system on macro-economic solidarity. E.g. contribution to erode social attainments Free movement of goods, services, people, labour, etc. Not free movement: goods, labour, etc. Social policies and cooperation: European Social Fund. Subsidiarity principle Lisbon Treaty sets up a social agenda, but not concrete progress National approach, far away from the development of social policies. Some actions: 1998, Hanoi Plan Action: poverty reduction 1998, Action Plan on Social Safety Nets Source: Own elaboration based on the following authors: Underhill, Laursen, Park Kim, Ruelan, and Cuyvers. Economic field EU ASEAN Monetary Union Single market unclear notion, especially for business and consumers Transparent and accountable financial and banking system Need to create transparent and accountable financial and banking system EU relies on its own institutions Need to rely on non-ASEAN institutions, e.g. 1992, ADB assisted Greater Mekong Sub-region for economic cooperation Successful EMU: needs political willingness EU is the only successful single market AFTA is still unclear, deadline 2010. AEC is far away from the EU single market, e.g. it does not have common external tariff policy to create customs union. It has two main preconditions: high level of economic integration and independent judicial institutions Custom Union, no need of border inspection Need border inspection, restrictions. European Monetary Union 1999: weak mechanism due to the monetarist mandate of the ECB Chiang Mai Initiative  [64]  of ASEAN+3: creation of a network of bilateral swap arrangements Exchange rate fixed and stable influences financial integration Exchange rate volatility, e.g. during financial crisis caused more economic problems, reduced economic growth. Source: Own elaboration based on the following authors: Laursen, Dong Heidul, Plummer, Underhill, Berkofsky, and European Policy Center. Conclusion As we have seen along the paper, regional organisations are important for the international system and embrace a multilateral approach, which tries to solve problems with different means other than military solutions. Regionalism is a good formula to provid

Those Who Can, Teach Essay -- Education, Ryan Cooper

In chapter two of Ryan Cooper’s textbook, Those Who Can, Teach, he lists eight characteristics of an effective school: â€Å"[1] high expectations for student performance, [2] communication among teachers, [3] a task orientation among the staff, [4] the ability to keep students on task, [5] the expenditure of little time on behavior management, [6] the principal’s instructional leadership, [7] the participation of parents, and [8] the school environment† (51). While all eight characteristics above greatly contribute to a school’s overall success, some characteristics have a greater ability to affect the success of a given school. Educators Wong and Wong point out that research consistently says effective teachers exhibit three characteristics: 1) they are good classroom managers, 2) they teach for learning and mastery, and 3) they have positive expectations (8-10). Because I believe the foundation of school effectiveness relies on teachers, I consider the characteristics with a focus on effective teacher-to-student interaction most important. Taken from the list above, those characteristics are (1) teachers who exhibit high expectations for student performance, (3) a task orientation among the teaching staff, and (4) the ability to keep students on task. A teacher’s effect on students is significant because teachers have greater influence on student achievement than a school. Robert Marzano’s study separating a school’s effect on student achievement from a teacher’s effect on student achievement supports this notion. Marzano found that an ineffective teacher in an effective school environment has little to no effect on student achievement. To the contrary, an effective teacher in an ineffective school environment was found to have a ... ...aff, such as paraprofessionals, counselors, librarians, specialists, and even janitors, comes to know and care about the strengths and weaknesses of students as much as teachers and administrators. More importantly, they help to provide solutions to overcoming low student achievement. A motivated support staff also contributes to the overall success of a school. In summary, I believe an effective teacher has the most influence on an effective school. Because of this, I consider Cooper’s characteristics centered on effective teaching as most important. I do also believe that fostering effective teaching skills through effective professional development programs are essential to creating an effective school. Furthermore, I would not discount the roles of non-teachers in the school setting, as they contribute to a school’s overall effectiveness too.

Its Time to Move Beyound Race Essay -- essays research papers

In Michael Omi and Howard Winant’s essay â€Å"Racial Formation†, we see how the tendency to assign each individual a specific race as misleading. This essay suggests that race is not merely biological, but rather lays more in sociology and historical perspective. Once we look at someone and say, â€Å"They’re white†, it brings forth all the stereotype’s that go along with that â€Å"race†, and once the race is assigned, it is assumed that we can know something about the person. Indeed, if we were to accept that people do fall nicely into specific races, it would seem to ascribe a sort of universality to the group. In other words, if a black man from Kenya was raised in Chicago, IL, rather than Kenya, due to his biological race, it could be assumed the way this man would act. This is far from the truth and much where the paper hinges. It would be safer to say, much in line with the â€Å"nurture vs. nature† argument that the society in which this black man from Kenya entered would affect him greater and adjust his attitudes than some sort of genetic clock-work. There would not be some sort of ancestral memory of how this man should act: his religion would be removed if he had no one reinforcing it in his life. This may seem to be an obvious example, as there are certainly some compelling arguments that may attribute certain specific biological facts to a certain group of people. For example, people of African decent are more likely to come down with sickle-cell anemia, directly related to gen... It's Time to Move Beyound Race Essay -- essays research papers In Michael Omi and Howard Winant’s essay â€Å"Racial Formation†, we see how the tendency to assign each individual a specific race as misleading. This essay suggests that race is not merely biological, but rather lays more in sociology and historical perspective. Once we look at someone and say, â€Å"They’re white†, it brings forth all the stereotype’s that go along with that â€Å"race†, and once the race is assigned, it is assumed that we can know something about the person. Indeed, if we were to accept that people do fall nicely into specific races, it would seem to ascribe a sort of universality to the group. In other words, if a black man from Kenya was raised in Chicago, IL, rather than Kenya, due to his biological race, it could be assumed the way this man would act. This is far from the truth and much where the paper hinges. It would be safer to say, much in line with the â€Å"nurture vs. nature† argument that the society in which this black man from Kenya entered would affect him greater and adjust his attitudes than some sort of genetic clock-work. There would not be some sort of ancestral memory of how this man should act: his religion would be removed if he had no one reinforcing it in his life. This may seem to be an obvious example, as there are certainly some compelling arguments that may attribute certain specific biological facts to a certain group of people. For example, people of African decent are more likely to come down with sickle-cell anemia, directly related to gen...

Canada and The Great Depression of the 1930s Essay -- Canadian Histor

1929-1939- The Great Depression The depression years of 1929 - 1939 proved to be the worst, and some of the best years for Canada and Canadians. It was a time of extreme highs and lows socially, emotionally, and economically. It was a time that Canada came into her own being on the world wide stage. During the worst depression years in Canada, there were many people who tried tirelessly to get Canada out of the crisis she was in more quickly and efficiently. William Aberhart and his group of supporters had a plan that they were sure could help and even end the depression and its horrible effects. His theory was if a twenty-five dollar cheque was given monthly to each family, it would alleviate their financial fears and jumpstart the economy. Having confidence in his idea, he went to share it with both political parties. Unfortunately, both parties rejected the idea; saying money would only become more worthless. Even after running and being elected as Premier of Alberta, the resolution was not accepted because of the overwhelming responsibility towards the federal government. Even though Aberhart’s plan was not put into action, there were many others like him whose voiced opinions and ideas encouraged the end of the depression. William Lyon MacKenzie King was a main contributor towards leading Canada out of the depression. When the depression started, King was still in the position of Prime Minister; so when the election of the 1930’s came, King had a new opponent. His opponents name was Richard Bennett. Bennett suggested that tariffs should be raised, and that the wealthy and stable should give to the poor; while King was campaigning for lower tariffs, attempting to help those who were poor and needy without taking from ... ... and it was to operate just like any other kind of insurance, such as life or fire insurance. Premiums and benefits were to be carefully calculated and paid out to those who required assistance. The Act also created the National Employment Service to help the unemployed find work. Overall, the Great depression was a hard time for most Canadians, and the concept of unemployment insurance brought Canada to the world wide stage. Whether it is Prime Ministers opening relief programs, events which supported the upbringing of our country, the inventions which boosted our economy in giving us more trade, or the Depression in general, the whole period of time starting from the market crash to revival was the event which Canada showed the world that we are strong and not easily crushed. Therefore, the key event in this decade is the Great Depression and the acts towards it.

Acquainted With the Night, An AP Analysis Essay

Robert Frost, the author of, â€Å"Acquainted With the Night† uses many literary devises to tell the speaker’s attitude toward the city and the speaker’s current life. Frost uses language such as diction and imagery, details, and metaphors to reveal the speaker’s attitude of loneliness and depression. Diction plays a major role in helping the audience, or reader understand the attitude of the speaker. Words such as, â€Å"saddest†, â€Å"unwilling†, and â€Å"cry† are all words used to describe emotions of loneliness or despair. The speaker obviously has something lingering on his mind that he can not put behind him. He is weary and upset. The word â€Å"night† alone connotes to many other low words, such as, dark, cold, quiet, or alone. The word â€Å"rain† symbolizes coldness, and the uncomfortableness that comes along with being wet. Images also play a major role in understanding the attitude of the speaker. The image of the rain falling down when the speaker goes out, and that it is still there when he comes back shows that the speaker can never get away from his problem. The fact that when the speaker stopped walking he also â€Å"stopped the sound of feet†, meaning that he was the only person around, again leading back to the idea th at he is mourning in his state of loneliness. These words and images help to show the speaker’s attitude. There are many details that Frost added to give a person a better understanding of the speaker and his feelings. The idea of the speaker, â€Å"outwalk[ing] the furthest city light† shows that he is out of bed in the middle of the night walking aimlessly trying to get his problem lifted. It shows how disturbed and troubled the speaker is with this mysterious problem floating around. The line â€Å"I have looked down the saddest lane† shows how the speaker has sort of a woe-is-me attitude where he feels that because it is happening to him it must be the worst. When the speaker says that the cry he heard was not to â€Å"call [him] back or say good-bye† is shows that he feels as if no one cares about him. He feels hopeless and that there is no way out of the mess he is in. These details all help in identifying the speaker’s attitude. There are many metaphors that help one understand the attitude of the speaker. The night itself is a metaphor for the speaker’s loneliness. The rain is his problems. He goes out walking to get away from his problems but they will never leave him. The luminary clock is a metaphor for the moon that shines in the sky. The moon is the only lit thing in the darkness of the light, giving off a little bit of hope to those lost in its dreariness. The attitude of loneliness, and hopelessness were clearly shown when one looked at the diction and imagery, details, and metaphors in this poem. One could learn many lessons form this poem about how when troubles come along, just trying to walk away from them will never help.