Urban Education Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Urban Education Policy - Essay Example It further recommended for equal funding between wealthiest and poor district schools so as to improve quality of education in the state irrespective of social and economic status. The court ordered provision of adequate education to children from these areas through implementation of certain reforms and standard education with parity support. Question 1: How would Anyon, Ravitch, and Tyack and Cuban analyze the limits and possibilities of Abbott at reducing the achievement gaps? Basically, Abbott aimed at reducing achievement gap that exists between children from wealthier districts and those from poorer or less privileged districts. Main argument of Abbott is provision of equal funding for the schools irrespective of economic or social status of the respective schools’ location. Abbott advocates for equal education provision. However, analysts such as Anyon, Ravitech, Cuban and Tyack found out certain limitations that might not effectively allow for effective implementation of the Abbott recommendations and narrowing of the achievement gap between less privileged or poor students and the wealthy or fortunate students in New Jersey State (Abbott and Burke, 1990, p 37). ... This can be achieved, but cannot adequately assist in closing the achievement gap to a greater extent. According to Anyon (2005, p 73), provision of equal funding and learning materials might not adequately close the existing achievement gap in the state. Furthermore, the author argues that this should be coupled with family support. According to Tyack and Cuban (1995, p 67), family support has a great impact in increasing chances of students achieving success in their education. Furthermore, Cuban and Tyack argue that the basic cause of achievement gap in education is the prevailing poverty levels in the urban areas. Therefore, educational policies ought to address the prevailing poverty levels in the urban areas to effectively close the achievement gap. This is because poverty greatly contributes to underdevelopment of students and minimizes their chances of achieving success in education. In urban setting, there are low-resourced and high-resourced learning institutions. This has led to differentials in cost of learning depending on the available resources in respective schools or learning institutions (Tyack and Cuban, 1995, p 92). Less privileged students may easily afford low-resourced institutions leading to the achievement gap. Furthermore, family income also assists in shaping behavior of individual student and attitude towards life and achievement. Privileged students’ perceptions are most likely to be positive leading to positive behavior in school too. This increases their achievement chances as opposed to those from less privileged families who have negative attitude leading to less chances of succeeding in studies. The author also argues that changes ought to be made in several areas for the

Term paper on one of the following Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

On one of the following - Term Paper Example In 1945, she was chosen by Hitler as his assistant. She had been typing his speeches, correspondence including his private testament and last will. In this book, she described how she was blinded by her boss’ activities because of his fatherly approach. Details of her luxurious life as a secretary were also included. In 1943, she married Junge, one of Hitler’s military orderlies. However, they were not married for long because Junge was killed in a combat during the war. As Germany began losing in the war, Hitler expressed he would not want to surrender to the Russian army. Thus he thought of cyanide poisoning as a better way to end his life. Towards the end of the book, Hitler shot himself in the temple with cyanide in his teeth. Traudl was later captured by Soviet armies but was never charged. Why would Hitler with such a stern character end his life that way? I cannot tell you the reason why but I will tell you what I like about the book. First, Traudle gave her readers something to ponder about Hitler especially when she mentioned the other side of his personality. Known for his tyrannical approach who killed directly or indirectly almost 30,000,000 people to pursue his cause, he has the charm and kind personality after all which is unknown to many. This was evident when Traudl mentioned he served as the father figure despite being her secretary. The father –daughter relationship was felt precisely because Hitler spent quality time with her during work and outside her work. Aside from this, Traudle also mentioned her conversations with Hitler which is unusual for leaders to have chats with their secretaries most often. Traudl mentioned that life could be boring without work because precisely she will not have a talk with Hitler. She came to realize that she misse s the monologues every night with Hitler. Perhaps, there is kindness on

State Sponsored Terrorist Organization

State Sponsored Terrorist Organization Wesley L. Metcalf According to Taylor Swanson (2016) State, terrorism is defined as Terrorism committed by a national government, inside of its national borders and directed at its citizens and sometimes visitors. The idea behind this type of terrorism is to instill fear into the countrys citizens to coerce them into following a new rule of law. State -sponsored terrorism is where states use terrorist groups as proxies to further their agenda in international affairs. State-enabled terrorism is where states tolerate the presence of terrorists in the country so long as they only attack other states and citizens of other states. The ideologies of the left-wing movement or terrorism are to overthrow the economic, political and social structure of a society and replace it with one developed on Marxist-Leninist principles. They believe in in a single class society where the rich are stripped of their wealth and power and redistributed to the poor. (Taylor Swanson, 2016) The Right-wing movement or terrorist ideologies are very conservative in nature. Their views are varied among different factions within the Right-wing movement in that some discriminate against race and ethnicity, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT), and religious groups such as Muslims. They also share views or beliefs such as politicians, and political parties do not properly represent them, the constitution is being subverted, the government cannot be trusted and is eating away at individual freedoms, and that the government is part of a plot to institute a one world government on US citizens. A country that was designated as a State-sponsor of a terrorist group would be Afghanistan. Afghanistan has given sanctuary and support to the terrorist group Al-Qaida and was listed on the state terrorism list by the United States. Their support has been to give Al-Qaida operatives a place to hide and operate to conduct terrorist acts both in and outside the borders of Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda still operates out of Afghanistan to this day even though the Taliban had been removed from government. According to the website Global policy forum (2017), there have been over 16 different sanctions aimed at Afghanistan and members of Al-Qaida ranging in dates beginning in October 1999 through June 2011. These sanctions were imposed by the United Nations (UN) and fully backed by the United States. Yes, Afghanistan provides a haven for Al-Qaida and the Taliban. I base my answer on the fact that because of the size of the country, its terrain, and its current small size of security forces, there are not enough personnel to monitor the largely unprotected areas where the groups mentioned above can operate and move about undetected. I do not believe Afghanistan has a chance of being taken off the state sponsors of terrorism list. I feel that because of the makeup of its current governing body they will always have sympathizers who believe in the ideologies of the radical groups Al-Qaida and the Taliban. And these sympathizers will do what they can to give haven to the fore mentioned groups above. Afghanistan is considered to be a Failed state. The reason its a failed state is that Afghanistan has a corrupt governing body that lacks the ability to provide basic services to its citizens, it currently depends on support from the US and allied forces to help maintain governing control. Should the US and Allied forces leave the region, it would create a vacuum within the governing body making it susceptible to a coup or governmental overthrow. The state has been in some type and form of conflict continuously since 2001. The size of the country, its mountainous terrain, and the strength of its security forces makes it impossible to protect and secure its borders. Some of the population loyal to the Taliban and Al-Qaida resents the government for allowing US and Allied forces to operate inside Afghanistan borders. The Secretary of State makes the determination of Any country or State that has repeatedly or consistently provided support for or actively Committed acts of international terrorism will be placed on the list of Sponsored nations. The four waves of terrorism are as follows Anarchist wave, the anti-colonial wave, the new left- wave, and the religious wave. The group I have chosen (Al-Qaida) relates in the following ways. As an anarchist wave, Al-Qaida operates as an anti-authoritarian to the current governing body and considers themselves to be a revolutionary force that exists to bring in the rule of Sharia law. As an anti-colonial wave, Al-Qaida has resorted to terrorist types acts to try and overthrow the current governing body and to try to break the will and the spirit of the US and its allies to want to give up and leave Afghanistan. The new left-wave does not apply in my opinion to how Al-Qaida operates. Al-Qaida, in my opinion, is the poster child for the religious wave, their whole desire is to instill the strict laws of the Koran, and ridding the world of those whom the laws of the Koran deem as unworthy or infidels. Bottom line they believe in a religious based extermination that if youre not Muslim, you are to be removed from the face of the earth. References Gunaratna, R. (2002). Inside Al Qaeda. Global Network of Terror. New York: Columbia University Press T Taylor, R.W, Swanson C.R. (2016) Terrorism, Intelligence, and Homeland Security. Boston, Columbus, Global Policy Forum (2017). Retrieved from Global Policy Forum: https://www.globalpolicy.org/security-council/index-of-countries-on-the-security-council-agenda/sanctions/49069.html

Communism Vs Democracy :: Essays Papers

Communism Vs Democracy â€Å"The Old Man and The Sea† Essay Ernest Hemingway, in The Old Man and The Sea, wrote a book about a man with little wealth and little friends, but this man has a very high goal, which he wants to accomplish even if it means he might die in the process. In this story Ernest Hemingway describes struggles between life and death. Those struggles still exist in life today, and people from all over the world try to face them day in and day out. Struggles and obstacles in life are different for everyone. Some overcome them, some fail, but most at least try and succeed in getting the one thing they really want, their goal in life. Santiago is the name of that man which Ernest Hemingway describes in the story. Santiago is an old fisherman, who has nothing left except his strength and a boat with a harpoon and fishing wire. The obstacles that Santiago faces are unlike any that most people in this world are facing now. His obstacles are so close to death that it is unimaginable to an ordinary person. Santiago faces them with no ease, but he faces them for no fame or glory. He faces them because of his pride. A person cannot have pride for accomplishing nothing in life. A person has pride when they achieve something so great in their life that you are proud of your own accomplishment, and that something is a persons’ goal. Santiago’s goal is to catch â€Å"The Fish† of his life. That fish is his life and he will do anything to accomplish it. A person has to achieve his goal in order to have pride in them selves. Pride means everything and nothing to people. To some it’s a way of life, t o some it’s something that matters so little that they would rather skip it and do something else. Those people that really do care about their goals, they are successive in life, because they planned and went ahead with their dreams. Those that through out every single opportunity that they got to even try to succeed on it, or just never bothered to try are probably in a shelter for the poor. Without goals there are no dreams, without dreams there is no hope, and with out hope there is no life. Ernest Hemingway used very clever ways to compare life and death between one thing.

Environmental Depletion Essay

1. Individuals are affected by the environment in different ways. The environment is an essential element in man’s daily sustenance. The environment is the source of fresh air which humans breath in order to live, the source of fruits and vegetables that are necessary for the better functioning of the body, and the care taker of nature which provides man with a serene view of the world. The environment is also the source of trees and other raw materials that are used in the production of the basic needs of the modern world. The environment aids man in so many ways that living without it is totally indispensable for the survival of man. However, the many blessings and benefits which man derives from the environment have caused greed and abuse. The environment, as many theorize is very sick because of man’s lack of concern for it. Instead of striving to preserve and/ or cultivate all that the environment has to offer, man continues to abuse and show lack of care for the environment. Thus, the world now is experiencing too many nature related tragedies. The tragedies that are happening and the climate changes as well as global warming are all the result of man’s depletion of the earth’s natural resource. Everything which the environment has to offer has been continually abused by man and utilized commercially to satisfy their greed for profit. What man forgets is that whatever he does with the environment will be done to him two fold. Aside from the physical effects, changes in the environment can also have physiologic and psychological effects to man. If the temperature is hot and dry, man tends to be sweaty and thirsty while if the temperature is cold, the body of man tends to cling on to something that will provide him warmth. Psychologically, a hot temperature will most likely cause man to be easily irritated and annoyed. More often than not, the patience is man is shorter when it is hot as compared when the temperature is cold. In addition, if the environment to which man lives in is rowdy or in chaos or there is too much pollution, the tendency of man is also to feel and act in chaos whereas if the environment is serene, man, most often than not, will feel relaxed and relieved. A busy and crowded environment may lead to stress but a lax setting may temper the mind and feelings of man. Individuals, generally, act in accordance with what they see and feel from the environment. There are only a few people who do not feel affected with what is happening in their environment, these are the people who have high tolerance and have a high sense of discipline to detach themselves from the environment where they are. 2. In the past five years, there has been an increased awareness in the environment because man has been feeling the wrath of nature. The effects of the pollution of the water, the seas and rivers, the air and the noise pollution that are felt world wide are starting to cause serious trouble to man’s daily existence. There has been too much pollution around that man can hardly enjoy the benefits which nature used to offer. The climate changes, global warming, extinction of plants, animals and fishes, melting of glaciers and scarcity of natural resources such as water, trees and animals have caused man difficulties. In some parts of the world, such as Africa, water scarcity is very prevalent (Arriens, 2007). The people there hardly have any water to drink, cook and bath. In the years to come, it has been predicted by several scientists and researchers that water scarcity will be felt in a greater degree. If there is water scarcity, almost all resources will be affected. Lack of water will also deprive man to cultivate the soil and plant fruits, vegetables and rich thus there will be food shortage. Cost of products bought in the market will also rise. The lesser products there are available, the higher is the cost. The fear of man to experience all of these adverse effects is the reason why there has been an increased awareness of the environment, which I believe is just right. Man needs to protect and preserve the blessings of nature in order to live longer and enjoy life better.

Types of Economic Activity

Types of economic activities 1. Primary industry * First stage in the production process * Major employer in poor countries * Involves the exploitation of natural resources * Includes activities such as agriculture, mining, fishing and forestry * Products are of low economic value * Products are either food for human consumption (e. g. fish) or raw materials for other economic activities (e. g. rubber for the tyre industry) 2. Secondary industry * Second stage in the production process * Also called the manufacturing industry Involves processing raw materials from the primary industry to add value to them* Products are of higher economic value than those of the primary industry * Output is either a final product (e. g. computer) or a part of the final product (e. g. microchip for the computer) 3. Tertiary industry * Involves the provision of services to companies or final consumers * Includes the financial services, health care, education and tourism sectors * Contributes more to the economy as a country becomes more developed * People are the main resource * Output is of high economic value Economic development in the Caribbean The capital city is usually the single prosperous core while the hinterlands are less prosperous * Large and successful industries tend to be located in and around the capital * The rural areas will have fewer and less successful or even declining industries * Governments have set up industrial estates in poorer areas to reduce the income disparity* Disparities in economic wealth between Caribbean countries have made integration difficult * Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is a small group formed within the CARICOM to help with the economic development of member states Measuring economic development . Gross Domestic Product (GDP) * Total market value of goods and services generated within a country over a given period 2. Gross National Product (GNP) * Total market value of goods and services generated by a country’ s citizens, both domestically and overseas, during a given period Primary industry: Forestry * The art, science and practice of studying and managing forests and plantations, and related natural resources* Guyana and Belize have significant forestry industries * Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, St Lucia and St Vincent also have substantial forest resources * Jamaica, Barbados and Haiti have almost epleted their forest resources Tertiary industry: Tourism * Provision of services to people who travel to and stay in places away from their place of residence for leisure purposes or otherwise * Generates income for a country through the sale of domestic goods and services to tourists and the employment of its people in tourism-related businesses * Major contributor to GDP * Accounts for more than 60% of the GDP in countries such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Netherlands Antilles Earns 90% of the foreign exchange for some countries Major tourist destinations in the C aribbean (2005)Destination | Total tourist arrivals | Destination | Total tourist arrivals| Anguilla| 62,084| Grenada| 98,244| Antigua & Barbuda| 245,384| Guyana| 116,596| Aruba| 732,514| Jamaica| 1,478,663| Bahamas| 1,514,532| Martinique| 474,126| Barbados| 547,534| Montserrat| 9,690| Bermuda| 269,576| Puerto Rico| 1,449,785| British Virgin Islands| 337,135| St. Lucia| 317,939| Cayman Islands| 167,801| St. Vincent & Grenadines| 95,505| Cuba| 2,319,334| Suriname| 144,899| Curacao| 222,070| Trinidad & Tobago| 460,195| Dominican Republic| 3,690,692| US Virgin Islands| 697,033| Case study: Tourism industry in Jamaica Jamaica has a strong global presence * The country is noted for its excellent beaches such as Negril and Doctor’s Cave in Montego Bay.* It is also known for the Dunn’s River Falls, YS Falls, river rafting on the Rio Grande, cliff jumping at Rick’s Cafe and many other attractions. * Tourism earns the country up to US$970 million a year in foreign exchan ge * The industry is well developed compared to other Caribbean countries. Activities occur both day and night throughout the year with something to interest everyone. Physical factors influencing the tourism industry in Jamaica 1. Climate Warm and sunny throughout the year * Attracts people from cool temperate regions such as the northern parts of the US * Tourists can enjoy the beaches all year round 2. Natural resources * White sandy beaches * Clear seas rich with marine life * Beautiful scenery (e. g. Blue Mountains) * Lush vegetation * Wide variety of flora and fauna 3. Proximity to markets * Near to Canada, the US and Europe, which are where the bulk of the tourists come from * Travel to Jamaica is relatively cost-effective and time-efficient for these tourists Human factors influencing the tourism industry in Jamaica

Chinese Hospitality Customs

Chinese Hospitality Customs Chinese culture is very much centered on the concept of respect. The concept is pervasive in ways of conduct from special traditions to everyday lives. Most Asian cultures share this strong association with respect, particularly in greetings. Whether youre a tourist passing through or looking to make a business partnership, be sure to know hospitality customs in China so that you dont accidentally seem disrespectful. Bowing Unlike in Japan, bowing to one another as a greeting or parting is no longer necessary in modern Chinese culture. Bowing in China is generally an act reserved as a sign of respect for elders and ancestors. Personal Bubble As in most Asian cultures, physical contact is considered extremely familiar or casual in Chinese culture. Therefore, physical contact with strangers or acquaintances is considered disrespectful. It is generally reserved only for those with whom you are close. A similar sentiment is expressed when it comes to exchanging greetings with strangers, which is not a common practice. Handshakes   In line with Chinese beliefs surrounding physical contact, shaking hands when meeting or being introduced in a casual setting is not common, but has grown more acceptable in recent years. But in business circles, handshakes are given without hesitation especially when meeting with Westerners or other foreigners. The firmness of a handshake is still reflective of their culture as it is much weaker than the traditional Western handshake to demonstrate humility. Hosting   The Chinese belief in respect is only further demonstrated in their hospitality customs. In the West, it is commonplace for the guest to show respect for his or her host with the emphasis placed on proper guest etiquette. In China, it is very much the opposite with the burden of politeness placed on the host, whose main duty it is to welcome their guest and treat them with great respect and kindness.  In fact, guests are generally encouraged to make themselves at home and do as they please, though of course, a guest would not engage in any socially unacceptable behavior. Saying Welcome in Chinese In Mandarin-speaking countries, guests or customers are welcomed into the home or business with the phrase æ ­ ¡Ã¨ ¿Å½, also written in the simplified form as æ ¬ ¢Ã¨ ¿Å½. The phrase is pronounced ââ€" º huÄ n yà ­ng (click the link to hear a recording of the phrase). æ ­ ¡Ã¨ ¿Å½ / æ ¬ ¢Ã¨ ¿Å½ (huÄ n yà ­ng) translates to â€Å"welcome† and is made up of two Chinese characters: æ ­ ¡ / æ ¬ ¢Ã‚  and è ¿Å½. The first character, æ ­ ¡ / æ ¬ ¢Ã‚  (huÄ n), means â€Å"joyous,† or â€Å"pleased,† and the second character è ¿Å½ (yà ­ng) means â€Å"to welcome,† making the literal translation of the phrase, â€Å"we are pleased to welcome you.† There are also variations on this phrase that are worth learning as a gracious host. The first fulfills one of the primary hospitality customs, which is offering your guests a seat once they are inside. You can welcome your guests with this phrase:  Ã¦ ­ ¡Ã¨ ¿Å½Ã¦ ­ ¡Ã¨ ¿Å½ è «â€¹Ã¥   (traditional form) or æ ¬ ¢Ã¨ ¿Å½Ã¦ ¬ ¢Ã¨ ¿Å½ è ¯ ·Ã¥   (simplified form). The phrase is pronounced ââ€" ºHuÄ n yà ­ng huÄ n yà ­ng, qÇ ng zuà ² and translates to â€Å"Welcome, welcome! Please have a seat.† Should your guests have bags or a coat, you should offer them an additional seat for their belongings, as placing things on the floor is considered unclean. After guests have been seating, it is customary to offer food and beverage, along with pleasant conversation. When it is time to go, hosts often see the guests off well beyond the front door. The host might accompany his or her guest to the street while they wait for a bus or taxi, and will go as far as waiting on a train platform until the train leaves. 我們éš ¨Ã¦â„¢â€šÃ¦ ­ ¡Ã¨ ¿Å½Ã¤ ½   (traditional form) / 我ä » ¬Ã©Å¡ Ã¦â€" ¶Ã¦ ¬ ¢Ã¨ ¿Å½Ã¤ ½   (simplified form) ââ€" ºWÇ’ men suà ­ shà ­ huÄ n yà ­ng nÇ  can be said when exchanging final goodbyes. The phrase means â€Å"We welcome you anytime.