Gaps in academic achievement Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Gaps in academic achievement - Research Paper Example A critical investigation of existing literature reveals that the problem of educational gap presents numerous challenges to policy-makers. Many studies have examined the achievement gap between black and white students, the contributing factors and the underlying implications. The growing consensus that the achievement gap between black and white students persists even after controlling for various observable characteristics, has been contested.   In a survey that used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten cohort (ECLS-K), the latest data administered by the Education Department, Fryer and Levitt demonstrated that the achievement gap between black and white students can be eliminated by controlling for observable characteristics of the environment and school (Fryer and Levitt, 2004). The researchers asserted that the gap between black and white students widens once students enter school (Fryer and Levitt, 2004). The author’s main argument is that black studentà ¢â‚¬â„¢s underachievement is due to attending lower quality schools. The study is robust and compares results obtained in previous randomized studies with nonrandom sample frames. In a study that examined the extent to which family wealth affected test scores among young black and white students, Conley and Yeung (2008) found little evidence that the achievement gap between black and white students could be explained by wealth disparity. The researchers used data from PSID, a longitudinal study using a sample size of 5,000 participants (Conley and Yeung, 2008).

Poverty and Lifeboat Ethics Essay Example for Free

Poverty and Lifeboat Ethics Essay A famous Chinese proverb goes: â€Å"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he will eat for the rest of his days.† Although this wise advice was given thousands of years ago, nowadays looks like no powerful or rich government on Earth understands that sentence. Garrent Hardin, author of â€Å"Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor† show us an honest perspective on how the rich countries in the world, by donating food and money, instead of helping poor countries get out of their misery, cause more hunger and strife. In addition, he tells us that overpopulation in poor countries should be controlled soon, or the current situation will turn ugly very fast. Although Hardin’s evidence is almost indisputable, his position is not. I understand why the author believes that helping poor people is a bad idea but he isn’t looking at many others sides of the situation. At the beginning, my reaction was the opposite. I was totally convinced by Hardin’s theory. I desperately sought a place within a â€Å"lifeboat!† But after discussing the essay in class, and hearing myself repeat Hardin’s words that express his indifference about poor people, and also rethinking his thesis in which poor people don’t have a chance for a better life, I changed my position. I can’t support those ideas because in my own point of view, they are false. It is just not true. Some countries and some societies already made a change. Some countries like South Korea, Singapore and China have broken the poverty cycle. We shouldn’t be so negative and we must remember that even the poorest people on the planet have imagin ation, ideas, beliefs and an imperative necessity to change their own universe. However, I think that the answer is within Hardin’s thesis too. Poor people don’t need food and clothes only in cases of emergency. Instead, they need a few rich governments interested in giving them tools and ways to improve their economies, to develop their ideas and to use their creative minds. Without that little help all life in this planet will disappear. So, helping the poor is also a way of helping everyone else, even rich people. And here Hardin’s thoughts are necessary: â€Å"Without a true world government, controlled reproduction and the use of available resources, the sharing ethic of the spaceship is impossible.† (Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor. Pg. 310.) If the poorest destroy their natural resources, the consequences will be for everyone, regardless of how much each possesses. In conclusion, I think Hardin is correct when he asks about the future on Earth, if we take statistics and analyze their results for the year 2050. However, his position against helping poor people and trying to eliminate them from the face of the Earth is wrong. I believe in a true world, where rich countries use their development technology and their healthy, well-nourished minds to decrease the percentage of poverty in the world, and where everyone wins the right to live in this, our planet Earth.

Behavior Modification Methods in School Essay -- Positive Interdepende

Education in the United States is a continuous source of controversy. How should the generations be taught? This is an extremely important and in depth issue that has many levels. Each level has its own disagreements. One particular level of education that has been researched is whether or not behavioral methods are effective enough to be used in the classroom to improve academic performance. As can be seen in the data included here, there are many forms of positive reinforcement contingencies that can be presented in the classroom. These may include social rewards, like acceptance and encouragement from peers, tangible rewards, like the token economy, or internally motivating rewards, like having a sense of self-efficacy and feeling confident and proud of a particular accomplishment. The studies included here investigate cooperative learning strategies and how behavioral methods relate to academic performance that way, the use of rewards for good or improved performance, and then f inally how the removal of a punishing aspect of the classroom environment, like a teacher’s criticism can possibly improve academic performance. Cooperative learning is one process that includes behavioral methods. A reward structure is included in cooperative learning technology. Rewards can include grades, teacher approval, or physical rewards. In order for a reward structure to be effective, the rewards must be presented to the student quickly after the desired behavior has occurred. What makes this type of reward structure particular to cooperative learning styles is that rewards are given based on how well a group has learned something as a whole. Each person in the group gets rewarded if and only if each individual person has learned the material sufficiently. A second facet of cooperative learning includes positive goal interdependence and positive reward interdependence (Mesch, Johnson, & Johnson, 1987). Positive goal interdependence is when students perceive that they can achieve their goals if and only if the other students with whom they are cooperatively linked achieve their goals. Whereas, positive reward interdependence exists when each member of a cooperative learning group receives the same reward for successfully completing a joint task (Mesch, Johnson, & Johnson, 1987). Mesch, Johnson, and Johnson (1987) state that on the positive goal interdependence ... ...76). Controlling personal rewards: Professional teachers’ differential   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  use of feedback and the effects of feedback on the student’s motivation to   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  perform. Journal of Educational Psychology, 69(4), 419-427. Harris, A. M., & Covington, M. V. (1993). The role of cooperative reward   interdependency in success and failure. Journal of Experimental Education, 61(2), 151-168. Leventhal, G. S., & Whiteside, H. D. (1973). Equity and the use of reward to elicit high performance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 25(1), 75-83. Lew, M., Mesch, D., Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. (1986). Positive interdependence,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Academic and collaborative-skills group contingencies, and isolated students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  American Educational Research Journal, 23(3), 476-488. Mesch, D., Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. (1987). Impact of positive interdependence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  and academic group contingencies on achievement. The Journal of Social   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Psychology, 128(3), 345-352. Rickard, H. C., Clements, C. B., & Willis, J. W. (1970). Effects of contingent   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  and noncontingent token reinforcement upon classroom performance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Psychological Reports, 27(3), 903-908.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

I think the most predominant subject that comes to mind involving the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U. S. Constitution centers around â€Å"same-sex marriages. † The argument in this issue centers around whether a gay couple who gets married in Massachusetts would/should be recognized as legally married in any other state they move to. I am sure the framers of the Constitution could never have imagined that some 200+ years later, that the original intent of Article IV Section 1 of the Constitution, the â€Å"Full Faith and Credit Clause,† could possibly undergo the scrutiny it has had to endure in recent years. The word â€Å"marriage† means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word â€Å"spouse† refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife. The Constitution specifically delineates that no State shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of any other State, or any right or claim arising from such relationship. If â€Å"same-sex marriages† have become legally acceptable in some states, then those couples should enjoy those benefits in the states in which they are considered to be legal. States are granted the right to determine those laws that have effect on their own citizens, and, should a gay married couple wish to reside in a state where same-sex marriages are not legal by law in that state, then they must accept the law in that state as binding on them. Any state that chooses to not recognize same-sex marriages within their own constitution certainly has that right under the Full Faith and Credit Clause. Until at such time someone finds a way to challenge the constitutionality of the Clause, gay couples will have to resign themselves being able to practice their chosen lifestyle, but without the benefits of such union in states where it is deemed illegal. In further support of this issue, I believe that the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) (1996) is unconstitutional on its face. DOMA violates principles of equal protection and due process. A strong case can also be made that DOMA abuses the Full Faith and Credit Clause and contravenes fundamental principles of federalism. Since there are relatively similar laws enacted in all 50 states, with only small differences between most of them, I see no reason that the Full Faith and Credit Clause should be held applicable to the issue of same-sex marriages. I find it difficult to imagine how the Court could find excluding same-sex couples from the definition of marriage unconstitutional without creating a constitutional requirement that same-sex couples be allowed to marry. Therefore, I believe that the Constitution guarantees each and every one of us the right to choose to marry the one we love. The fact that they are of the same sex should not deprive those individuals of the same rights and privileges of other citizens merely because it violates some individuals morals or beliefs. Since the Constitution itself does not actually delineate the definition of marriage, I believe that all attempts that deprive gay people certain rights not otherwise deprived of other individuals violates the spirit of the Constitution, and abuses the Full Faith and Credit Clause therein.

Ghosts with Sh!t jobs

The narrative follows a couple who majored in robotics, a digital Janitor, a human spam-bot, and two silk-collecting brothers. The couple who majored in robotics work as baby assemblers in Canada for the rich Asian families overseas. I found this aspect of the film interesting because something as essential as a baby is fabricated and made a commodity, not unlike the current relationship between North America and Asian countries and the fabrication of essentials like clothing, vehicles, and food.The director draws attention to the current situation in Asia through the contrast of the real world and Morrison's fabricated world. The digital Janitor draws attention to the mass censorship of media and the control that governments have over their countrys access to information. This Janitor enters the digital past-world through a virtual reality interface and blocks out any advertisements or sensitive information that his Asian superiors would not like shown to the public.Here Morrison to uches on aspects of todays society like the privatization of information, centralizing control, nd the actions that our governments take to ensure that protection of information and reinforce control. I found that the human spam-bot, (employed by a Nigerian â€Å"spam cartel†) was the ultimate representation of a pop-up or advertisement that we today are so irritated by. However, the slick manner in which she advertises correlates with todays marketing and advertising firms' strong motives to deceive and manipulate the consumer.Morrison takes a very interesting approach to filmmaking and narrative in general s he has completely flipped the economic and business world of today. I found that the multiple narratives gave the viewer a sense of depth and more solid understanding of what is happening today between North America and Asia with regard to economical power and the distribution of products and resources. For the art world, this film looks to the future of societies on an international level, and gives viewers the opportunity to experience life in a different light through the film itself. Ghosts with Sh! t jobs By goremancer

Hierakonpolis (Egypt) - Largest Predynastic Community in Egypt

Hierakonpolis (Egypt) - Largest Predynastic Community in Egypt Hierakonpolis (City of the Hawk and known anciently as Nekhen) is a large predynastic and later town site located 113 kilometers (70 miles) north of Aswan on a 1.5 km (.9 mi) stretch of the west bank of the Nile river in Upper Egypt. It is the largest pre- and proto-dynastic Egyptian site discovered to date. Hierakonpolis was first occupied at least as long ago as the Badarian period beginning about 4000 BC. The predynastic part of the site includes cemeteries, domestic areas, industrial zones and a ceremonial center, called prosaically HK29A. The city contained multiple complex settlements, with dwellings, temples, and cemeteries. Most of the Predynastic occupation of the site dates between about 3800 and 2890 BC, during the periods known as the Naqada I-III and the first dynasty of Old Kingdom Egypt. It reached its maximum size and importance during Naqada II (Naqada is sometimes spelled Nagada). Predynastic Chronology Terminal Predynastic (Naqada III or Proto-Dynastic) (ca 3300-3050 BC)Late Predynastic (Naqada II or Gerzean) (ca 3650-3300 BC)Middle Predynastic (Naqada I or Amratian) (ca 3900-3650 BC)Early Predynastic (Badarian) (ca 5000-3900 BC) Buildings at Hierakonpolis Perhaps the most famous building in Hierakonpolis is an elaborate Gerzean period tomb (3500-3200 BC), called the Painted Tomb. This tomb was cut into the ground, lined with adobe mud brick and its walls were then elaborately paintedit represents the earliest example of painted walls known to date in Egypt. On the tomb walls were painted images of Mesopotamian reed boats, attesting to Predynastic contacts with the eastern Mediterranean. The Painted Tomb likely represents the burial place of a proto-pharaoh. The more typical residential structures at Hierakonpolis are partly intact mudbrick-constructed pottery kilns and post/wattle-construction houses. One particular rectangular Amratian house excavated in the 1970s was built of posts with wattle and daub walls. This dwelling was small and semi-subterranean, measuring roughly 4x3.5 m (13x11.5 ft). Ritual Structure HK29A Discovered in the 1985-1989 excavations by Michael Hoffman, HK29A is a complex of rooms surrounding an oval open space, believed to represent a predynastic ceremonial center. This set of structures was renovated at least three times over its uselife during the Naqada II period. The central courtyard measures 45x13 m (148x43 ft) and was surrounded by a fence of substantial wooden posts, which was later augmented or replaced by mud-brick walls. A pillared hall and a tremendous number of animal bone suggests to researchers that feasting took place here; the associated refuse pits include evidence of a flint workshop and nearly 70,000 potsherds. Animals The wild animals found in and around HK29A include moslluscs, fish, reptiles (crocodile and turtle), birds, Dorcas gazelle, hare, small bovids (sheep, ibex and dama gazelle), hartebeest and aurochs, hippotamus, dogs and jackals. Domestic animals include cattle, sheep and goats, pigs, and donkeys. While ceremonial feasting almost certainly did occur within the halls of KH29A, Linseele et al. (2009) argue that the presence of large, dangerous and rare animals suggests a ritual or ceremonial presence as well. Additionally, healed fractures on some of the wild animal bone indicate they were held in captivity for a prolonged period after their capture. Cemetery at Locality 6 The Pre-dynastic cemetery at Locality 6 in Hierakonpolis contains not just Egyptians but a wide variety of animal burials, including wild anubis baboon, elephant, hartebeest, jungle cat (Felis chaus), wild donkey, leopard, crocodile, hippopotamus, auroch and ostrich, as well as domesticated donkey, sheep, goat, cattle, and cat. Many of the animal graves are near to or within larger tombs of the human elite of the early Naqada II period. Some were buried deliberately and carefully in their own graves either singly or groups of the same species. Single or multiple animal graves are found within the cemetery itself, but others are near architectural features of the cemetery, such as enclosure walls and funerary temples. More rarely, they are buried within a human tomb. Some of the other cemeteries at Hierakonpolis were used for burying elite personages between the Amratian through Protodynastic periods, a consistent use of almost 700 years. By about 2050 BC, during Egypts Middle Kingdom, a small community of Nubians (called C-Group culture in the archaeological literature) were residing at Hierakonpolis, and their descendants live there today. A C-Group cemetery at Locality HK27C is the northernmost physical presence of Nubian culture identified in Egypt to date. Excavated in the early 21st century, the cemetery has at least 60 known tombs, including a few mummified individuals, within an area measuring 40x25 m (130x82 ft). The cemetery shows distinctive architectural features of Nubian society: a stone or brick-ring around the burial shaft; the placement of of Egyptian and hand-made Nubian pottery above ground; and remnants of traditional Nubian dress, including jewelry, hairstyles, and fine colored and perforated leather garments. Nubian Cemetery The Nubians were enemies of the Middle Kingdom elite Egyptian power source: one of the puzzles is why they were living in the city of their enemy. Few signs of interpersonal violence are evident on the skeletons. Further, the Nubians were as well fed and healthy as the Egyptians living at Hierakonpolis, in fact both males and females were more physically fit than the Egyptians. Dental data supports this group as being from Nubia, although their material culture, like that of their home country, became Egyptianized over time. The HK27C cemetery was used between the early 11th Dynasty through the early 13th, with the most burials dated to the early 12th Dynasty, C-Group phases Ib-IIa. The cemetery is to the northwest of the rock-cut elite Egyptian burials. Hierakonpolis and Archaeology Hierakonpolis was first excavated in the 1970s and 1980s by the American Museum of Natural History and Vassar College under the direction of Walter Fairservis. An international team led by Renee Friedman has been working at the site, detailed in  Archaeology  magazines  Interactive Dig. The famous  Narmer palette  was found in the foundation of an ancient temple at Hierakonpolis, and is thought to have been a dedicatory offering. A life-sized hollow copper statue of Pepi I, the last ruler of the 6th Dynasty  Old Kingdom, was discovered buried beneath the floor of a chapel (Illustrated in the photo). Sources By all means, see the  Hierakonpolis project site  for detailed information about ongoing studies at the site. This article is part of the guide to the  Egyptian Predynastic period. Friedman R. 2009.  Hierakonpolis Locality HK29A: The Predynastic Ceremonial Center Revisited.  Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt  45:79-103. Friedman R, Judd M, and Irish JD. 2007. The Nubian cemetery at Hierarkonpolis, Egypt. Results of the 2007 Season.  Sudan Nubia: The Sudan Archaeological Research Society  11:57-72. Hoffman MA. 1980.  A Rectangular Amratian House from Hierakonpolis and Its Significance for Predynastic Research.  Journal of Near Eastern Studies  39(2):119-137. Irish JD, and Friedman R. 2010.  Dental affinities of the C-group inhabitants of Hierakonpolis, Egypt: Nubian, Egyptian, or both?  HOMO - Journal of Comparative Human Biology  61(2):81-101. Linseele V, Van Neer W, and Friedman R. 2009.  Special Animals from a Special Place? The Fauna from HK29A at Predynastic Hierakonpolis.  Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt  45:105-136. Marinova E, Ryan P, Van Neer W, and Friedman R. 2013.  Animal dung from arid environments and archaeobotanical methodologies for its analysis: An example from animal burials of the Predynastic elite cemetery HK6 at Hierakonpolis, Egypt.  Environmental Archaeology  18(1):58-71. Van Neer W, Linseele V, Friedman R, and De Cupere B. 2014.  More evidence for cat taming at the Predynastic elite cemetery of Hierakonpolis (Upper Egypt).  Journal of Archaeological Science 45:103-111. Van Neer W, Udrescu M, Linseele V, De Cupere B, and Friedman R. in press.  Traumatism in the Wild Animals Kept and Offered at Predynastic Hierakonpolis, Upper Egypt.  International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.

Free Essays on Gay Marriage

On television last night, Rosie O’Donnell, the popular comedian and former talk show host was talking about her recent marriage to another woman. The pair had traveled to San Francisco, CA where the mayor, Gavin Newsom had legalized same sex marriages, and got married in a city court. A few days later the court was ordered to stop issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples by the United States government. The subject of same sex marriage is a very controversial topic in the United States. Same sex marriage has be legalized in some states and banned in others. It is a topic that has passionate supporters and as passionate protesters. This topic is so controversial that the Senate voted July 14, 2004 to block the White House-backed Federal Marriage. The vote was 48-50, 12 short of the 60 needed to keep the measure alive. Six Republicans joined dozens of Democrats in dissent. Dissenters claimed that the regulation of marriage should be left to the states (Resources, 2004). The defeat of the Federal Marriage Amendment was a huge victory for gay rights advocates that assert that marriage is a right, which should not be limited to opposite-sex, couples. In the United States, activists of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples point out that there are over 1000 federal rights and benefits denied same-sex couples by excluding them from participating in marriage. A legal denial of rights or benefits afforded to others, they say, directly contradicts the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which provides for equal protection and substantive due process under the law, meaning that rights conferred to one group cannot be denied to another (Resources, 2004). In the 2003 case before the Supreme Court titled Lawrence v. Texas, the court held that intimate consensual sexual conduct was part of the liberty protected by substantive due process under the Fourteenth Amendment (Bidstrup, 2004). Many proponents of same-sex marriage hav... Free Essays on Gay Marriage Free Essays on Gay Marriage Would legalization of gay marriage be good for the gay community?† Sam Isaacson wrote an article analyzing the opinion of the gay community on legalizing same sex marriages. It is somewhat of a controversial issue with the gay community whether or not marriage is a good thing. He divides the community into two groups: integrationists and liberationists. The controversy is caused because of these two different philosophical views. The integrationists want to be as normal as can be. They want to â€Å"integrate† themselves into society. On the other hand, the liberationists cherish their gay culture with their own customs and values. The integrationists want gay marriage and the liberationists object to same sex marriage. Isaacson’s belief is to consider the objections of the liberationists. However, he believes that legalization of marriage would benefit gays and society. The liberationists do not care for being part of the â€Å"normal† society. They believ e marriage would take away from their way of living and would show that marriage is the right way to live. Isaacson states, â€Å"We not only abandon the sexual minorities of our community, we strengthen society’s narrow notion of what is â€Å"normal† and thereby further confine both straights and gays.† Liberationists do not want to lose the unique characteristics of gay culture. Some gay writers have said, â€Å"Gays have been forced to create different forms of relationships that often allow for a greater and often more fulfilling range of life experiences.† Gays are more likely to stay friends with their ex-girlfriends/boyfriends and they form very close relationships without becoming romantically involved. The communication in their relationships is better than most straight couples. The liberationists think that marriage â€Å"limits and normalizes personal freedom. They do not want to be faced with the social pressures of marriage and their cultu re is forgotten. Isaacson agrees ... Free Essays on Gay Marriage The American Family; Redefined Currently, the United States military is engaged in a war with the country of Iraq. As stated by United Stated president George W. Bush, the primary purpose of this war is to liberate the citizens of Iraq. With this liberation according to, Bush, the U.S. hopes to provide and form this nation into a democratic one, in which individuals are privileged with the freedoms of choice and equal rights. The irony and subsequent resulting scrutiny by anti-war groups stems from the fact that such liberties do not apply to certain individuals, right here in America. Among those deprived individuals are homosexual couples who desire to start a family. Presently in America it is extremely difficult for gay and lesbian couples to marry or have children, either through surrogate mother means, arranged natural means or even adoption. Thus, their equal and civil rights are stripped and so-called equality made non-existent. The Constitution declares that we are a nation that takes pride in liber ty and justice for all, not just the fortunate few. For this reason, homosexuals in all the states of the United States should be able to get married and freely become parents. They should have the same rights that are afforded to what the Constitution mandated: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. In order for this change to come about, the socially constructed definitions of the words ‘marriage’ and ‘family’ need not only be redefined but reestablished and readily understood by the masses. Currently marriage is defined as a contract between woman and man (Badian 364). Further, in most spectrums of society a family is cons... Free Essays on Gay Marriage On television last night, Rosie O’Donnell, the popular comedian and former talk show host was talking about her recent marriage to another woman. The pair had traveled to San Francisco, CA where the mayor, Gavin Newsom had legalized same sex marriages, and got married in a city court. A few days later the court was ordered to stop issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples by the United States government. The subject of same sex marriage is a very controversial topic in the United States. Same sex marriage has be legalized in some states and banned in others. It is a topic that has passionate supporters and as passionate protesters. This topic is so controversial that the Senate voted July 14, 2004 to block the White House-backed Federal Marriage. The vote was 48-50, 12 short of the 60 needed to keep the measure alive. Six Republicans joined dozens of Democrats in dissent. Dissenters claimed that the regulation of marriage should be left to the states (Resources, 2004). The defeat of the Federal Marriage Amendment was a huge victory for gay rights advocates that assert that marriage is a right, which should not be limited to opposite-sex, couples. In the United States, activists of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples point out that there are over 1000 federal rights and benefits denied same-sex couples by excluding them from participating in marriage. A legal denial of rights or benefits afforded to others, they say, directly contradicts the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which provides for equal protection and substantive due process under the law, meaning that rights conferred to one group cannot be denied to another (Resources, 2004). In the 2003 case before the Supreme Court titled Lawrence v. Texas, the court held that intimate consensual sexual conduct was part of the liberty protected by substantive due process under the Fourteenth Amendment (Bidstrup, 2004). Many proponents of same-sex marriage hav... Free Essays on Gay Marriage Recently, the local radio station has been airing some commercials to get people thinking. These commercials are of an African-American man in modern day society who is unequally separated from white people. In one commercial he is told to sit at the back of an airplane, in another he is told to use a separate facility for colored people at his work. By the end of the commercials the question is asked â€Å"what would today be like if Martin Luther King never had a dream?† These commercials are played so that we can see what positive change has been made. We look back on how we treated people and we are disgusted with our own behavior yet putting a ban on same sex marriages is the same concept. Not allowing gay or lesbian couples to marry is an example of modern day suffrage in the gay community. Homosexuals have the right to speak freely, bear arms, and have privacy yet under law they are separated from the general population because they do not have the right to wed and be family. Twenty years from now society will look back and ask themselves what authority did we have to grant rights on the basis of preference. It is unconstitutional, here in America, to disperse rights on the basis of gender. This ban on same sex marriages has defied what our founding fathers based this country on. Further more, this ban will not hold up due to the full faith and credit law. In a nutshell it says that if a marriages is valid in one state, then its valid in the remaining forty nine states. This law is in effect because currently there are thirteen states that allow Same sex marriages. Homosexuals are often viewed as Unclean, Obsessed with sex, and having STDs. People often view them in that perspective because the relation shipside is hard to see. If a couple is not married but still being intimate it is more likely they will be seen as â€Å"lovers† rather than a â€Å"loving couple†. Same sex couples are also looked at as ... Free Essays on Gay Marriage Should homosexual marriages be legally recognized? On June 10, 2003, the first same-sex marriage ceremony in North America took place in Ontario, Canada. This was a huge step for homosexual equality and unity, but according to the Christian/political right, it creates a dwindling grip on the importance of a heterosexual relationship. Marriage is a union unlike any other in the history of our world, and homosexuality is one of the most troublesome issues today. Therefore, the two intertwined create an uproar concerning America’s advancement to same-sex legalization. The controversy surrounding homosexual marriage includes many common misconceptions concerning one’s rite to marriage. The public’s main arguments in opposition concerning legalization: destroying the significance of a marriage’s unique institution and procreation, the anti-religious foundation gay marriages exemplify, and the public’s views of homosexuality to be Sodomy. Legalization is undoubtedly worried, scared and/or angry that per mission could ruin our country. This country will be able to one day, over come its fears and adjust to this very unique change. Before the argument of gay marriage is discussed, one cannot elude from the public’s judgment of marriage and homosexuality. Andrew Sullivan, respected scholar, states in Same-Sex Marriage: Pro and Con that, â€Å"Marriage is alternately praised and derided as a lynchpin of a procreation, love, power, economics, convenience, morality and civil rights. Homosexuality generally evokes opposing judgments: It is seen as a perversion; a source of identity, love, and desire; a freely chosen lifestyle, a fabricated personality, a revolution against the status quo† (Sullivan xix). Homosexuals are aware of the long-standing argument against same-sex marriage. Many heterosexuals believe that â€Å"a partnership between two people of the same gender is not the same, and certainly not equal, to a state sanction...

Some Perennial Grammar Questions

Some Perennial Grammar Questions Some Perennial Grammar Questions Some Perennial Grammar Questions By Maeve Maddox The DWT team appreciate the great feedback to Daniels question What topics do you want to see covered in the blog? and are busily responding. Questions of grammar and usage are never out of date. Doubtless well be writing new posts on topics that have been dealt with in the past. Preposition usage, for example, could fill a book. Here are some of the recent suggestions, together with links to archived posts that may have already addressed them. Verbs used intransitively and transitively†¦ English grammar 101 introduction to the English verb †¦if you could address who/whom it would be great Beware of whom the difference between principle and principal Principle or principal the difference between assume and presume. Is there a difference between assume and presume? I’d like to know when (or if) it became acceptable to refer to an individual in the military as a troop, i.e. â€Å"Three troops were injured today.† Soldiers or Troops? Plural possessives? The possessive apostrophe When to form a plural with an apostrophe give a list of ALL the parts of speech†¦ English grammar 101 parts of speech use of the subjunctive subjunctive if I was The subjunctive mood I wish I were Do you have an archive so I could catch up on topics already covered? Archives Please do a blog on the difference between lie (recline) and lay and their conjugations. Lay/lie moribund but not dead yet Mixing up lay and lie the difference and usage of ‘passed’ and ‘past’ Passed vs past Confusing passed with past Taking another pass-at â€Å"passed† I recall an experience from my days of classroom teaching. Id just given a lesson on the use of the apostrophe to form the possessive. The students had been attentive and I was certain that my explanations and illustrations had been especially inspired. Still glowing as I passed a senior teacher, I shared my feeling that Id settled the apostrophe problem for that group of students once and for all. I can still see the kind, but pitying expression that flitted across her face. Common errors are common for a reason. At some level, the error makes sense to us. Once an error is habitual, effort and repetition are required to rid ourselves of the habit. And the first explanation is not necessarily the one that will prove effective in clarifying the matter. Keep those suggestions coming. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:70 Idioms with HeartComma Before ButHow often is "bimonthly"?

How is this artefact the product of a particular historical and Essay - 2

How is this artefact the product of a particular historical and cultural environment - Essay Example In addition, the screen that is the size of an A4 enables the user to access clear pictures. The laptop was therefore an innovative personal computer that enhanced the application of the computer in various settings. The laptop, which is one of the many forms of a personal computer, is a readily available item that people in the modern day utilize extensively. Laptops are made from various materials depending on the manufacturers’ designs. However, they are primarily made from varying proportions of a mixture of metal, rubber, glass and plastic. The screen is made from glass that is supported by a hardened form of plastic. The internal gadgetry consists of wires, electric boards, capacitors, batteries and a hard disk. Manufactures make extensive use of different types of metals. The manufactures prefers to use copper in the wires owing to its conductivity traits while they also use aluminium in the general structure owing to its strength and lightness that contributes to the portability of the. Ordinarily, the outer surface is made from plastic that is water resistant, tough and does not rust. The features and composition of each laptop varies depending on the customers’ needs, the computer brand and the capacity of each computer. For instance, laptop used by the military in the field are covered using harder materials to av oid destruction. By contrast, laptops made for the ordinary people tend to be fragile since they are used limited times. Company philosophy also contributes to the structure. Some entities in the laptops sector make laptops in very few colours. For instance, Apple only paints its laptops silver grey or black. Therefore, laptops will vary in colour, size and composition owing to the varying visions of manufactures and the customers. The laptop is a computer gadget, which requires numerous electronic items that will enable it work

Aggregate demand and its components Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Aggregate demand and its components - Essay Example This essay is an attempt to figure out the constituents of aggregate demand and how they interact to determine the national income. The main focus of this essay is Keynesian economics and how aggregate demand is determined in Keynesian economics. A basis proposition of Keynesian theory is that the equilibrium level of income and output depends on the economy’s aggregate spending for output. If aggregate spending is excessive, it results in inflation. My goal in this essay is to figure out how national income is determined through aggregate demand and what is the impact of aggregate demand on other major macro economic variables. Introduction In national income determination, aggregate demand plays a vital role. The first major objective of any economy is to increase and sustain its national income, an analysis of aggregate demand is very important. By controlling the aggregate demand, you can control the major economic variables. Aggregate demand is the total demand in an econ omy for all the goods and services produced. It consists of : Consumption expenditure, Investment expenditure Government expenditure Net export Aggregate demand = C+ I+ G+ (X-M) The following sections analysis each of these variables in detail: Consumption Expenditure Consumption expenditure depends on the real income of the house hold. An increase in the real income of the household leads to an increase in the consumption expenditure and a reduction in the real income of the household results in a reduction in consumption expenditure. ... tion expenditure, Keynes gave priority to consumption function which is a mathematical function showing the relationship between consumption expenditure and income. As income increases, people set aside a portion of their income for their future needs. In other words, as income increases, savings also increase. Even though the consumption increases as the income increase, the rate of increase is less. But, as the income increases, the savings increase at an increasing rate. It means, the individual set aside a larger portion of his income for savings and a smaller portion of consumption. Keynes considered consumption function as constant in the short term. The change in consumption is always greater than zero and less than one. It means, whenever there is a change in income, people won’t spent the whole amount on consumption. Investment Expenditure Keynes gave more importance to investment demand than consumption demand. The investment demand depends on two things: 1) Marginal efficiency of capital 2) Rate of interest Out of these two, rate of interest is usually stable in the short run (changes based on the policy of the central bank). So the investment demand depends largely on marginal efficiency of capital. The marginal efficiency of capital means the expected rate of profit that the investor hopes to make from the investment in capital assets. The marginal efficiency of capital depends up on the replacement cost of capital goods and profit expectations of investors. As there is no replacement in the short run, the investment in short run mainly depends on profit expectations. To increase national income and employment, government should take those measures which increase investment. So, the investment demand depends on the marginal efficiency of capital and

International economics - Balance of Payments Coursework

International economics - Balance of Payments - Coursework Example The transactions of imports and exports done by United Kingdom can be in terms goods, services, financial transfers and financial capital. According to park if the sovereign payments are greater than autonomous receipts, the balance of payment will at disequilibrium. A country like United Kingdom which is experiencing balance of payment deficits in its current will be required to make up an increasing financial debt so that it posses more foreign assets (Park 2004, p. 122). Basically there are three types of balance of payments deficits. They include visible trade deficit, basic deficit and current account deficit. There are four in which United Kingdom measures its current account deficit. They include the net current income for example income from overseas investment, the balance of trade in goods, transfer of payments for example payments made to European Union and lastly the balance of trade in goods. The other factors that causes imbalance in balance if payment apart from the fall of value in pound include, A decrease in the current account is caused by a period of consumption led economic increase or growth. If consumption and consumer spending is increased within the United Kingdom, it will lead automatically to an increased expenditure on imports (Park 2004, p. 31). Given in 2011 and 2010, the domestic economy was experiencing massive growth with an increased consumer spending and inflation. This caused to a large gap of deficit on the current account. Recently recession has led to a temporary improvement in the deficit after most consumer cut back on their spending. A nation with individuals and firms saving lowly with a high percentage of consumption will automatically also have a higher current account deficit hence causing disequilibrium of balance of payment. The relative competitiveness of industrial production of

Paradoxically, although modernity appeared to be a threat to Essay - 1

Paradoxically, although modernity appeared to be a threat to Christianity, it had been nurtured, in significant part, by Christ - Essay Example Thus, the role Christianity has played towards the realisation of modernity is a matter that has been subject to debate, with some scholars arguing in favour of the rationale that Christianity spurred modernity onwards, while others gainsay the very idea, as shall be seen in the debate that ensues forthwith. Thesis Statement Contrary to what is being peddled against Christianity as a force antithetical towards modernity and having an inimical relationship with modernity, Christianity is poignantly the very harbinger of modernity, even to a global extent. According to Taylor (1989, 132), fundamentally, one of the tenets of Christianity is the belief in, and emphasis of man being made in the image and likeness of God [Genesis 1:26]. As such, since God is self-determinate and absolutely sovereign, man is also a free moral agent. By this, it is meant that man has the capacity to exercise freedom of choice and thereby deciding his destiny on earth and eternal destiny. The same also does not only mean, being self-determinate, but also being rational. Isaiah 1:18, I Pet 3:15, I Thessalonians 5:21 and Luke 9: 62 are some of the portions that call people to reason. This is because, making decisions entails being rational. The relationship between the doctrine of man being a free moral agent and modernity is seen in the fact that the Renaissance Age played, and continues to play an inextricable role in modernisation. In the same respect, Renaissance Age could not have come about in the absence of free or independent thinking. It is not in dou bt that the realisation of the Law of Gravity by Isaac Newton was a culmination of laborious thinking about an apple's fall from a tree. Not only did Isaac Newton [a Christian with great interest in natural philosophy and mathematics, Christian theology, economics, astronomy, alchemy and physics] discover the Law of Gravity, but he also wrote the Philosophie Naturalis Principia Mathematica which laid the foundations for classical mechanics. For instance, the laws of universal gravitation and the law of motion are derived from Isaac Newton's work, Philosophie Naturalis Principia Mathematica. Industrial and physical infrastructure and the development of modern means of transport [such as air transport] rely on the laws of motion and gravity. It is also important to note that Christianity, being a highly philosophical and introspective religion, set the pace for philosophy. For this reason, going through St. Paul's treatise on his Letter to the Romans is highly philosophical, as he exp lains fundamental concepts such as the fall of mankind, the purpose of the law [that was handed to Moses] and its inability to bestow right standing with God, justification by faith, and the inability of the law to help win over the war with the carnal nature of man (Lindberg, 2000, 83). Furthermore, Angold (2006, 11) points out that the highly philosophical aspect of Christianity is underscored by the philosophical controversies which succeeded the Edict of Toleration and the Edict of Milan in 311 and 313 AD, respectively, and thereby ending the Persecution of the Church. Immediately after the acceptance of Christianity as a legitimate religion, the Church had to contend with highly complex philosophical problems and concepts, as it dealt with doctrinal controversies such as Arianism [in the Nicean Council, 325 AD], Apollonarianism [the Council of Constantinople, 381], Nestorianism [the Council of Ephesus, 431], monophysitism [the Council of Chalcedon, 451] and Nestorianism [the Se cond Council of Consta

Population Health Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Population Health - Assignment Example Article by Saxe, (2011) indicates that in order to win the war against childhood obesity that has been on the increase, it is important to involve the whole community in the project from the parents, to the physicians and anyone else in between. In this article, the general assumption is that by the community becoming involved rather than purely relying on only one party, the children will be protected from eating unhealthy food and ensure that they carry out regular physical exercises and not only sit playing video games at all times. The other article discusses how nurses should rom the time children are born advice on healthy dietary measures at each and every age. This will help solve the issue from the root cause Berkowitz & Borchard, (2009). In this article, the authors explain how women after birth listen to the advices provided by nurses and especially the first time mothers and follow that advice to the letter. Nurses are quite knowledgeable on the best diets for the children at each stage and incorporation of physical activities and hence are in the best position to disseminate this information to the parents. Obesity is on the rise and the policies that have been established to end it have not been effective. In order to get a long lasting and effective solution, it is important for the stakeholders who include teachers and parents to stock their houses and classrooms with only healthy snacks. The other step is to ban the sale of sweets and sugary beverages to children without adult supervision as well as have constant physical exercises in school and at home. The objective should aim at reducing significantly the amount of sugary beverages and unhealthy food the susceptible population are engaging in. These will ultimately improve their diet. It also aims at encouraging healthy lifestyle through physical exercises and

Regulatory Frameworks of the Equity Markets of Australia and the USA Essay

Regulatory Frameworks of the Equity Markets of Australia and the USA - Essay Example The structure of organized exchanges and the trading policies imposed by regulatory bodies continue to influence the turnover of physical shares, price formation of equities and trading costs, while generally exerting pressure on the behavior of market participants and the overall competitiveness of securities markets. This report will discuss the structures and regulatory frameworks of the equity markets of Australia and the United States of America. As a reference point, the major exchanges in both countries will be compared, where the NYSE is used as the benchmark for the exchange activities of ASX and Nasdaq. Also, the report will include a rundown of equity-funding alternatives for a listed US corporation, as required. The equity market of Australia is operated largely by its organized stock exchange, the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Trade of ASX stocks takes place on a fully competitive and automated order-driven trading system, known as the Stock Exchange Automated Trading System (SEATS) (Elvis Jarnecic, June 1999). Trading is facilitated through the placement of a purchase order by a market participant with a broker, either by way of telephone or online through the internet, on regular trading days. In contrast, the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE operates under a hybrid market structure. Kaj Hedvall (CEFA, 2006) defines hybrid markets as a specialists market and the NYSE as an order-driven, floor-based, continuous market with specialists. Also known as an auction market; these specialists converge on the floor of NYSE to facilitate the reporting of bids and asks, execute the trade and maintain order on the floor.   NASDAQ, on the other hand, is a quote-driven, dealer market. At present, there are over 500 dealers-also called market-makers, composed of large investment companies, who buys and sells shares of stocks through a personal inventory of NASDAQ-listed stocks to earn a profit from a regulated bid/ask spread.   NASDAQ is the largest scree n-based market in the United States. Screen-based means that there is no physical location, but trading is based on computers and other communication mediums (Block, S et al, 2002). Thus, NASDAQ market makers conduct the exchange not through a physical trading floor, but by way of an electronic network. While each security under Nasdaq has an average of 14 market makers competing against each other, only one specialist is designated to every NYSE-listed stock. It can be observed that Australia operates a purely order-driven market while the major exchanges of the USA, conduct trading in a purely quote-driven market for NASDAQ and a cross between the two pure market models, the hybrid market, a structure of the NYSE.   The advantage of an order-driven market is the inherent transparency of the system since all buy and sell orders of participants are posted on the market, providing information on which prices investors are willing to buy or sell shares. This is not an attribute of a quote-driven market where only the bid and ask offers of market makers are displayed.

Population Health Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Population Health - Assignment Example Article by Saxe, (2011) indicates that in order to win the war against childhood obesity that has been on the increase, it is important to involve the whole community in the project from the parents, to the physicians and anyone else in between. In this article, the general assumption is that by the community becoming involved rather than purely relying on only one party, the children will be protected from eating unhealthy food and ensure that they carry out regular physical exercises and not only sit playing video games at all times. The other article discusses how nurses should rom the time children are born advice on healthy dietary measures at each and every age. This will help solve the issue from the root cause Berkowitz & Borchard, (2009). In this article, the authors explain how women after birth listen to the advices provided by nurses and especially the first time mothers and follow that advice to the letter. Nurses are quite knowledgeable on the best diets for the children at each stage and incorporation of physical activities and hence are in the best position to disseminate this information to the parents. Obesity is on the rise and the policies that have been established to end it have not been effective. In order to get a long lasting and effective solution, it is important for the stakeholders who include teachers and parents to stock their houses and classrooms with only healthy snacks. The other step is to ban the sale of sweets and sugary beverages to children without adult supervision as well as have constant physical exercises in school and at home. The objective should aim at reducing significantly the amount of sugary beverages and unhealthy food the susceptible population are engaging in. These will ultimately improve their diet. It also aims at encouraging healthy lifestyle through physical exercises and

Compare Modern Martial Art Magazines with 1970s Editions Essay

Compare Modern Martial Art Magazines with 1970s Editions - Essay Example Either they have set up schools of varying origins and oriental teachers, or produced videos and books, as well as other commercial items such as garments, belts, certificates, among other paraphernalia associated with martial arts. Nevertheless, in this age of free market economy, everybody may claim to be what they want and claim to be, and as long as somebody is buying, then, they sell. This study, however, shall focus on martial arts magazines language use between the present and the 1970s with substantial inclusion regarding Bruce Lee and the pop culture. 2. Modern martial arts magazines have evolved in word usage as martial arts forms also evolved. Nevertheless, commonalities may include oriental terms of martial arts name of discipline or related school such as Bruce Lee's early Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do and Jun Fan Gung Fu, karate, jui jitsu, among others. This study will try to present evolving terms and usage of martial arts words with regards to publications of modern martial arts magazines as compared to 1970s martial arts magazines, with particular focus on the following: This study is important to establish or present the changes or similarities between 1970s and modern martial arts magazines. ... Changes are necessary and unavoidable. Aim of the Study This study will try to present evolving terms and usage of martial arts words with regards to publications of modern martial arts magazines as compared to 1970s martial arts magazines, with particular focus on the following: Oriental and western terminologies that are in use in modern and 1970s martial arts magazines The meaning and use of each martial arts terminologies The changes, contrast or comparison of martial arts magazines seen through 1970s edition and modern martial arts magazine issues The influences or factors behind the popularity of martial arts as a form of discipline and as a popular media or magazine subject. The study or research will try to answer the following questions: 1. What are the constant oriental and western terminologies used in martial arts magazines present in 1970s edition as well as in modern martial arts magazines 2. What are the meanings of these martial arts oriental and western terminologies 3. What are the prevalent changes or contrasts that can be seen between 1970s and modern martial arts magazines 4. What are the factors or influences that affect popularity as well as wide acceptance of martial arts as a discipline and (media) magazine interest Relevance of the Study This study is important to establish or present the changes or similarities between 1970s and modern martial arts magazines. In establishing the changes, factors, influences, as well as other related matters, such as Bruce Lee's popularity shall also be presented and viewed to make martial arts understandable among those who practice or abhor, or perplexed by it. Methodology Secondary analysis shall be applied in this study since there already exist two points or

The video shop like letters Essay Example for Free

The video shop like letters Essay The task is to create a logo that can promote the video shop, and be put on all to do with the video shop like letters. My logo should be simple but effective, and not to cheesy. It should catch peoples eye, and make them want to read on. I will try to do this with colour and pictures. Software Requirements The software I choose must be able to: Â  Import pictures, so that I can actually create the logo. Â  Move and edit pictures, so that the logo can be tweaked, and the pictures do not stay as their original. Input text, so that the logo has text as well as pictures and so the name Mercury Entertainment can be on the logo. Shade pictures, so that I can make the logo look and have a professional feel. Â  Overlap and underlay objects, again to create a stylish look, and make the logo look the best it can. Change the text colour, font, and size, so that I do not have to keep boring Arial text, and can make a good logo. Â  Convert to pictures, so that I can save the copy as a jpeg file, to save space and time loading the original file, and then copying it from there. I could produce the logo using a word processor. This is a limited, but simple way of doing the logo. It can do everything above, apart from edit pictures in the way that other programs can do. It can wrap text, and edit the brightness, but it cannot edit pictures in the most expert technique that I want, for example, fading different parts of the graphic, or overlapping objects. It would be able to produce the logo, but it might not be as good as if I used another program. I need it to look the best I can because I want to promote the business as much as possible. I could produce the logo using MS Paint , but this a very basic program, more so than the word processor. It does not have import feature, but you can use traditional copy and paste. It cannot overlap and underlay objects with a toolbar button, but of course, you will be able to by just placing one graphic over another. It cannot convert graphics to pictures either; well I cannot find a tool for it. I will produce the logo using Serif PagePlus 8, because it is the most expert program that I have to choose from, and it will help me to create the logo to the full quality. It can import pictures through the typical copy and paste, and through Insert Picture. It can move pictures through the normal method, by clicking and holding the left mouse button over the picture and then dragging it to where you want it to be. It can input text through the keyboard, just as any other program does. To shade a picture, you must highlight the picture and then click on the attributes tab on the right. Then there is a shade slide bar on the bottom, which you can slide to the right to shade lighter and right for heavier. It can over and under lap objects with the two buttons on the arrange toolbar, at the top: With these, the left sends the item to the back, and the right one brings the picture to the front. Text is edited in the standard way, by the toolbar at the top, or by clicking Format Character. It can convert things to pictures. You have to highlight the certain graphics you want to be a picture, and then click Tools Convert to Picture It will then come up with a box: Select JPEG from the combo box, as it provides a picture with small file size, and therefore easiest and fastest to work with. After this, it will be converted to a jpeg; however, it will be inside the page plus publication. To export the picture so that it is a new file, highlight the picture, and click File Export As Picture This will then open a new window, enabling you to save the picture as a certain format. I chose JPEG, because it has the smallest compression size at a 24-bit format. This will enable me to use it quickly and efficiently. Conclusion I am going to use Serif Page plus 8 for my logo, as it is the most professional and enables me to do things in which a word processor and MS Paint cannot. It is much easier to use from a graphic point of view, and it is not hard to put in text. I also know much more about it than I do a word processor or MS Paint, which makes it easier to work with. That means, if I use a word processor or MS Paint, it will be very time-consuming to find out how to do things that I am not sure about doing. Outline Plan I will type Mercury Entertainment straight into the package in a logo art format, so that it is more eye-catching, and can be changed to different shapes and colours, and can have shadows and backgrounds. I will get my graphics from Microsoft Office Design Gallery. This is because it has a wide selection of clipart and graphics, all available for download. I will bring them onto the page by copy and paste. When you download it, the picture appears in the clipart window, and you can easily highlight it, and then copy (Ctrl + C) and then go to the Page plus 8 windows and press (Ctrl + V) to import it onto the display. I will probably use Times New Roman, as it is the easiest to read, and the default font, that is not that boring. See below. I will then export the thing as a picture, after highlighting it, so it can be used universally. Appendix Trebuchet MS Nice font, easy-to-read, and practical. Tempus Sans ITC Sophisticated, but not that clear first time, better for wine lists. Times New Roman Very good, clear, definitely using this, it is very clear for all ages. Verdana Big, very clear, but it does not look attractive. Arial Easy-to-read, but plain, better for kids stories. Book Antiqua Very Attractive, but still clear, definitely using this. Calisto MT Much like Times New Roman, but more kid-like. Comic Sans MS Very plain and young. Graphite Light ATT Sophisticated and cool, but too narrow. Lucida Handwriting Very nice, but not too easy-to-read. Design of Promotion Logo Michael Boulter 11. 7.

The Language and Uses of Religion in George Balcombe :: George Balcombe Religious Papers

The Language and Uses of Religion in George Balcombe In his 1836 novel, George Balcombe, Nathaniel Beverley Tucker presents the Southern Elite male discourse on religion. Throughout the novel, the speeches of Balcombe and William reveal that they use language that refers to God, but more often they embrace Enlightenment ideals such as reason and self-reliance. Several passages speak directly to the elite idea of God’s love, God’s intended ways for men and women to love one another, and God’s ordained roles for women and slaves. Many other portions of the text reveal differences between the ways in which elite men, non-elite men, and women talk about God and value religious faith. Evangelical piety posed many challenges to the patriarchal order of early 19th century southern society, so it is no surprise that elite men prioritized attributes other than Christian faith and that religion took on different meanings for people with different levels of status in the social hierarchy. Lindman and Wyatt-Brown describe the assimilation of evangelicalism into the existing social order and the changing definitions of honor between the time of the revolution and the 1830s. Lyerly’s descriptions of the religious experience of Methodist women and slaves provides a context for understanding how the role of religion differed between elite men and other groups. These historians’ works enrich the reader’s understanding of Tucker’s presentation of the white elite male discourse on the role of religion in the antebellum period. Balcombe and William indicate their sense of God’s presence in their lives throughout their dialogues. In their first conversation, Balcombe excuses William’s faux pas by waxing lyrical that men must make mistakes in order to learn virtue, and concludes that â€Å"it is God’s plan of accomplishing his greatest end, and must be the best plan† (v1, 9). While this reference to God’s power seems sincere, other references appear more careless, such as the phrase â€Å"God forbid† (v1, 9), which these characters use throughout the novel. William’s remark that â€Å"My talkative host now gave his tongue a holyday, while his teeth took their turn at work† is an almost whimsical appropriation of religious terminology to describe mundane events. Often in their dialogues, â€Å"God† is interchangeable with â€Å"Providence† - in one place, William speaks of â€Å"God’s providence† (v1,266). They personify P rovidence and attribute to it most circumstances in their life, in phrases such as â€Å"the pleasure that Providence sends me† (v1,17).

Perspective on Religion Herman Melvilles Moby-Dick Essay example -- M

Perspective on Religion Herman Melville's Moby-Dick A cornerstone of the philosophical and narrative substructure of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick is point of view, or perspective. The textually primary point of view in the novel is Ishmael's, since he is the narrator of the story. However, Ishmael relates his story in such a way that one can easily detect numerous other "voices," or other perspectives, in the story, which often oppose the narrator's voice. These other, non-primary perspectives function both to establish Moby-Dick as a novel with numerous points of view and to clarify Ishmael's own particular point of view on certain subjects. For instance, in "The Ramadan" Ishmael attempts to convince Queequeg of the ridiculous and impractical nature of Queequeg's religion. Ishmael quickly perceives that his attempt is ineffective. He writes, "I do not think that my remarks about religion made much impression upon Queequeg. Because he somehow seemed dull of hearing on that important subject, unless considered from his own point of view " (88). In this passage and its, context are two important implications. First, in blatantly noting that Queequeg must see from "his own point of view," Ishmael states and accepts that he and Queequeg view religion from different perspectives. Second, in stating in the context of this quotation his criticisms of Queequeg's religion--that it is impractical, unhealthy, and without benefit to the soul - Ishmael reveals something of his own perspective on religion (87-88). Religion, or in the case of Moby-Dick, one's perspective on religion, is a substantial theme in the novel. Of this "important subject," as Ishmael describes it, numerous voices in the narrative speak. The orthodox Christian v... ... of the omnipresence of God. He believes that religion should be practical and healthy. Ishmael believes that history is cyclical, not linear, and he believes in reincarnation. Ishmael believes that humans are the products of their interplay between chance, necessity, and free will. Ishmael argues for all these beliefs not on the basis of canonical revelation or discursive reasons, but on the basis of intuition and mystical insight. This is Ishmael's religious perspective. But whose perspective is right? Is Ishmael's correct? Is Ahab's? Queequeg's? Is the orthodox Christian perspective correct? Moby-Dick does not answer these questions. Ishmael tells the reader that the "pulpit leads to the world" (46). Ishmael shows the reader that who is in the pulpit makes all the difference. Work Cited Melville, Herman. Moby-Dick. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1981.

Candide in El Dorado

The Meaning of El Dorado and its contrast with the rest of the world: El Dorado appears to be the perfect utopia, for others it represents an unrealistic place to live. For Voltaire this world meant his entire desire and dream about the perfect society. Many critics note that El Dorado is only a huge extravaganza because it consisted of contradictory statements. The meaning of El Dorado is a vision of the perfect society and represents a false paradise impossible to attain or approach by the destructive human nature.El Dorado contrasts with the rest of the world because at the time Candide was written by Voltaire He lived in one important periods of the humanity, â€Å"The enlightenment†. Around him, he saw many injustices perpetrated by the principle institutions that lead the society at that time. The own desire of Candide to leave El Dorado was imposed by something that he knew; In El Dorado, everybody seems to be equal and a fortune in El Dorado means nothing compare to a fortune in the world where they came from.Furthermore, he needed to recover Miss Cunegonde. The superiority and the economic power that he will gain with the fortune from El Dorado will help him to get her back. Some aspects of El Dorado appear very attractive. The deistic religion that the old man describes, the obvious economic supremacy, the egalitarian practices of the king and the absence of public encounters seem to be the perfect society to emulate. El Dorado is the perfect society for Voltaire but the real thrust is that a perfect society like El Dorado is really hard to attain.The excessive exaggeration that Voltaire expresses in Candide makes some critics to think. Why if Candide always looked for the perfect world describes by his mentor Pangloss him and his servant didn’t remain in El Dorado. The answer described for many is that the Perfect Utopia lack of the reality. Shanley and Stillman point out that Voltaire makes constant use of exaggeration to suggest the e xcess of El Dorado: Building reach to clouds. The portal of the king’s palace is 220 feet high and 100 feet wide.Food served at the inn includes a 200-pound condor, 300 colibri hummingbirds on one platter and 600 hummingbirds on another. Such exaggerated sizes appear ludicrous; they also contrast sharply with Voltaire’s initial statement that the country is cultivated for pleasure as well as for need and that â€Å"everywhere the useful is attractive. † As we can see the exaggeration by Voltaire has no limit and in a real world probably cannot exist with such excess. The visions of El Dorado of a perfect society contrast because there are extreme inequalities.For instance, Candide and Cacambo talk to the old man, and this give them a carriage with twelve servants that indicate an exaggeration and also indicate the different social inequalities, if everybody is equal why does a man has many servant. On the other hand, the destructive human nature would never coex ist in a perfect world such as El Dorado. All life beings in the nature lacks of common sense. This is evident in the nature of animals. They fight for their territory and tries to be superior in any aspect of its life.Moreover, Shanley and Stillman believe that El Dorado contains many serious defects. These defects are marked by an irrelevant economic and social inequality, material extravaganza, and stunted human emotional and intellectual capabilities. They also state it is neither a completely good society nor one that human beings can recreate elsewhere. Subsequently, El Dorado seems to be the perfect place to live despite the critics for many authors. However, El Dorado is a very straight critic to the society in which Voltaire lived.The real society in which Voltaire lived is composed for many institutions that he attacks in various opportunities such as the church and the monarchy. For example, when Candide arrived to El Dorado and he sees that all the people believe in the same thing and there’s not a priest, no hierarchy, and all the people are equal. That’s a good strike from Voltaire to the church claiming that everybody must be equal. According with Dalnekoff, â€Å"El Dorado is a foil to the societies through which Candide has passed and will pass where the inquisition imposes a reign of terror, and poverty, corruption and oppression are everywhere to be found. (Utopia and Satire)In contrast of El Dorado with the contemporary system, we found that in the contemporary system much oppression and abuses have been committed and in El Dorado the inhabitants are very virtuous; they were a society with absence of many institutions. A very questionable point in Candide and his extraordinary optimism is why if he believes that everything obeys a divine pattern and all is for the best, why didn’t he remain in El Dorado?. Dalknekoff states that the motives given by Candide for departing are hardly worthy of commendation.His desire to b e richer than all those around him is certainly deplorable. (‘Impossible dream) As Dalknekoff said, motives that move all human beings are money and the desire for superiority. Moreover, Shanley and Stillman endorse Candide; who States â€Å"If we stay here, we shall only be like others†. If they leave, they can be powerful and wealthy. They can boast of their travels, and Candide can recover Cunegonde. In accordance with the authors above Candide’s motives to leave El Dorado are typical human motives.Now beside the fact that all human beings are always seeking fortune and good position of high status, we found another important element: the love for his dear Cunegonde. The love factor is a prominent aspect that can force a human to leave a perfect society like El Dorado. El Dorado seems to be the perfect place with an extremely beauty in all aspect. Candide had an extremely urge to leave this exotic paradise because he wants to reunite with his love Miss cunengo nde who was about to get married with another man.All the riches of El Dorado it wasn’t enough to attach Candide to El Dorado. On the other hand, Dalkenoff claims to stay in El Dorado would mean to escape from the evils of the real world rather than to face and deal with them. It is not in man’s imperfect nature to find happiness in such a perfect society; the best of all possible worlds is not being suites to man as he is. (Utopia and Satire) In accordance with Dalkenoff the human nature is moved by the everyday challenges and such perfection doesn’t look to be very attractive for Candide.After stayed thirty days in El Dorado Candide wants to return as soon possible to the extremely defective world outside. The Eldorado stones will only be of value to him in the defective world, where the people were stingy and greedy and they were measured by what they had. The  Stones and beauty of El Dorado oblige to encourage avarice and ambition in Candide, whose only pr evious idea was survive and his love for Miss Cunegonde Voltaire had an idea about the perfect society and he wanted transmit the idea to the principles institutions of his time.At the time Candide was written in 1759 Europe was in the middle of the Enlightenment period: According to Bristow The Enlightenment is the period in the history of western thought and culture, stretching roughly from the mid-decades of the seventeenth century through the eighteenth century, characterized by dramatic revolutions in science, philosophy, society and politics; these revolutions swept away the medieval world-view and ushered in our modern western world. (Bristow, par. 1)

E-Business Evolution

E-Business Evolution By: Scott Pitcher BIS 375 October 22, 2012 Prof. Alanzo White ? E-Business Since the dawn of the Internet business have been finding more was to utilize the Internet in a way to reach consumers that would otherwise not have known of the company products. In the 1990’s e-business came to the Internet it was unlike the conventional way of conducting business, for example before when the consumer wanted to order something out of a catalog he or she would pick the item then call the business and tell customer service what he or she wanted.The next step would be going down and checking the product that was purchased and then taking it home. Well things have changed since the days of ordering by phone and then going and picking up the purchased item. Now in the present time he or she can order products via the Internet. Within a couple of clicks of the mouse and a credit card the product can be ordered and shipped without ever leaving the comfort of his or her h ome. In a brief discussion this paper will explain the evolution of e-business.E-Business Evolution As the Internet has evolved so has e-business over the last 15 years e-business has developed from ecommerce to e-business. With e-business companies or business are able to do business not only locally but also conduct business out of the state and the United States. In today’s business companies are looking for new ways to reach consumers, consumers that would otherwise not be able to go to the place of business to make his or her purchase.With the evolution of e-business companies like Wal-Mart, Sears, Target, and other companies that list their business and information on the Internet are striving to reach new customers and offer more services to the customers that choose to shop at the business website. The ability to reach new customers is not only for the business but also for the consumer. Now the consumer can shop on line to find the best deals for the product that he or she is looking for. Now Consumers can review websites and compare pricing for products before making a purchase.To be compare and contrast with the way shopping for the consumer was before e-business was to take time to go to the place of business and look at the product that the company was displaying on shelf’s and on hangers. Walking around the retail shops and waiting in long lines and dealing with traffic or other sources of public transportation. With the use of e-business the consumer no longer needs to go to the place of business and make the necessary purchase via the Internet. Supply Chain ManagementA business cannot operate if it does not have a product to sell to its customer that is in stock. It is the same for a store that the consumer walks into just as if he or she would be purchasing it from the Internet. Even though there are similarities between e-commerce and e-business taking purchase orders and having stock and even in some cases shipping the product. With e-commerce stoking its shelf’s are different from e-business. E-commerce use a manager or an employee to take inventory of the item that are in stock and orders the items that are running low on.This order is then submitted and now the retail store will have to wait till the items arrive before the store inventory is brought back to its par-levels. With e-business the company that is doing business through the use of the internet has a networking system that automatically sends the order being placed by the consumer to the distributor so it can be shipped right from the distributor to the consumer without ever coming in contact with the business that is doing the advertisement on the Internet.Even with the ability to sell products without even carrying the item in stock means that the information being shared through the inner networking system has to be as reliable in order for the suppliers to control their product inventory and for manufactures to adjust to the amoun t of material that will be needed for each participating business that sells the manufacturer’s product. If the information that is being shared is not accurate it causes either a product shortage or an overstock in the manufactures inventory. ConclusionSince the dawning of the Internet and the demand for faster customer service the way we use to consider shopping and even conducting business has been rapidly increased, having many different options on selling and buying products and material has made it easier for both sides. The consumer can make purchases from not only his or hers computer at their homes but also with the use of mobile devices and software applications make purchases while on the go. For business they will not need to build so many store locations which will reduce the company over head.References Papazoglou, M. P. , Ribbers, P. (2006). E-Business: Organizational and technical foundations. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley. Some Limitations of E-Commerce. (2011). Ro se India Technologies PVT, LTD. Retrieved on October 22, 2012, from http://www. roseindia. net/tutorial/ecommerce/limitations-of-Ecommerce. html Wagner. C. M, Sweeney. E. (2010). E-Business in Supply Chain Management, Dublin Institute of Technology Retrieved on October 22, 2012 from http://arrow. dit. ie/

School Improvement Plan

U10a1: School Improvement Plan by Robin R. Bailey The School Improvement Plan in Full Fulfillment Of the Requirements of ED 7852- Principalship March 15, 2013 |Address: |6647 S. Maryland Ave Unit 3E | |City, State, Zip: |Chicago, IL 60637 | |Phone: |773-655-5508 | |E-mail: |[email  protected] du | |Instructor: |Dr. Jeff Ronneberg | Table of Contents Abstract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 3 School Improvement Committee†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 4 Data and Gathering Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 5 Environmental Scan of the Sch ool and Community†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 7 Goals and Objectives†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 10 Resource and Community Development†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 13 Monitoring and Assessing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 18 Expected Outcomes†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 20 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦pg. 21 Abstract Herzl Elementary School of Excellence is located in Chicago, IL. Herzl has a population of 492 students who are: Black (481), Hispanic (6), Asian/Pacific Islander (1), White (1), and Two or More Races (3). The goal is to improve student achievement in reading and mathematics. Herzl Elementary School is committed to preparing students for the future by including real world activities into students’ daily lessons. Herzl is also using research based strategies in every lesson to enhance learning and improve student achievement.Committee Development, Data Gathering and Analysis Part 1 -School Improvement Committee Mrs. D†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Principal Ms. R. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Assistant Principal Mr. A. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Assistant Principal Ms. C†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Chair Ms. L†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Special Education Teacher Ms. M†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Kindergarten Teacher Ms. B. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Second Grade Teacher Ms. P . †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Fourth Grade Teacher Ms. P†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Sixth Grade Teacher Mr. A†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Eighth Grade Teacher Mrs. V†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Parent Ms.S†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Community Leader Rath et al. (2008) states, â€Å"Effective leaders surround themselves with the right people and build on each person’s strengths† (p. 21). The purpose of the School Improvement Committee is to serve in an advisory role to me as the principal. The committee advises on an as needed basis with the budget, school safety, standards and behavior, and school improvement surveys. The School improvement committee helps me establish communication links within the school community and works closely with staff and other organizations to provide successful outreach.The committee has a broad based representation of the school community and employee groups. This effective site- based school team, not only enhances the strengths of me, but it gives empowerment to all stakeholders in the school. Sorenson et al. (2011) proposes that effective site- based schools starts with a team-oriented approach that allows principals to give power to their employees and therefore encourages a collaborative decision- making and problem-solving process (p. 135). Part 2 – Data Gathering and Analysis County: Cook County Grade Span: (gr ades PK-8)Total Students: 548 PK |K |1 | |Students |250 |298 | Students with disabilities: 17. 1%English language learners: 0. 4% Free lunch eligible: 518 Reduced-price lunch eligible: 8 Collecting the data is a planned, purposeful process. Valuable data guides the school improvement team in developing improvement goals for the benefit of all students. The four types of data we collect and use as indicators of school or district success and progress are as follows: achievement data, demographic data, program data, and perception data. The data helps support the vision and mission of the school.The school improvement team collects, evaluates, and analyzes data to strategically find strategies, resources, and research methods for effective instruction. Some of the data that is collected are the demographics, End of Grade testing, Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), ISAT, NWEA, REACH assessments, teacher observations. The school improvement committee team collected data using the data guid es provided by the Illinois Department of Education. Staff members, parents, and students were asked to complete surveys concerning their attitudes toward the Herzl School of Excellence environment and academic progress.All staff members were also asked to list parent involvement, technology usage, and professional development. Random samples of teachers were taken to chart parent communication and classroom interruptions. The planning team analyzed ISTEP+ and NWEA test scores. Teachers participated in district wide curriculum alignment meetings where they streamlined the district’s curriculum and developed quarterly benchmark tests. After analyzing the student data, it was concluded that there is a high population of students on free/reduced lunch.While reviewing STEP and ISAT data the school improvement team recognized a trend of low scores in the areas of reading comprehension, writing application and math problem solving. They also identified these areas of concern previo usly when compiling data for the existing School Improvement Plan. The team is currently using NWEA to assess student growth from fall to spring. The initial student scores have reinforced our findings in relation to STEP & ISAT, but this data is not conclusive due to the number of assessments taken and our understanding of the data.Furthermore, students did not make AYP in reading and math. African American and economically disadvantaged students did not make AYP in math and reading. Environmental Scan of the School and Community Herzl School of Excellence is influenced by many policies and procedures that are determined through the Federal Government, the State of Illinois and the District of Cook County. The Illinois General Statues were created to help establish provisions for the school districts across Illinois.Once the regulations are established, sent to the Department of Instruction and then the districts receive the regulations and are to implement the provisions. To show accountability, a school improvement plan must be created. The regulations and the community are a major factor that helps drive the School Improvement Plan. Submission of a School Improvement Plan (SIP) is required by federal and state regulations for schools that are in academic status. The plan must cover two fiscal years (e. g. FY 2010 to FY 2012) and must be revised every two years while the school remains in status.Illinois schools in status that do not submit a school improvement plan the previous year must submit an improvement plan as required by Public Law 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, section 1101 et seq. , and Section 2-3. 25d of the School Code, 105 ILCS 5/2-3. 25d. Revisions are then required at the expiration of the two-year plan while the school remains in academic status. Districts are required to submit restructuring plans on behalf of schools after the fifth calculation of not making Adequate Yearly Progress. A School Improvement Plan is optional for schools that are not in academic status.The Illinois State Board of Education members that represent our school district have helped shape our school and community. Our district representative assessed our need for our school and encourages the community to get involved with the school and school system. The goal for our Board is for the student to have a sound education. This includes having policies to address the relationship between the school system and community. The policies address the following: a) Building a safe and inviting learning environment b) Increased extracurricular offerings c) Improving student attendance ) Renovated facilities At Herzl Academic progress is monitored through the reading & math benchmarks, NWEA, REACH, ISAT, and classroom bi-weekly assessments. The results indicate that Herzl must continue to work on reading comprehension instruction/ guided practice and math extended response at all grade levels. After analyzing the data it was concluded tha t students would benefit from the instruction and individualized attention that could be provided in differentiated instruction in the classroom, effective intervention practice and team teaching of regular and special education teachers.Herzl needs to increase math manipulatives and purchase additional resources for science and math classroom and provide professional development for teachers in math and science. AYP concluded that in the sub group all students did not make AYP on the ISAT. Herzl must achieve a 10% increase overall, in subgroup ALL, in ISAT scores on reading for the two consecutive years to meet AYP Safe Harbor targets by 2013. North Lawndale demographics overview †¢94. 3% African American †¢Population: 41,768 †¢Median Family Income: $15,549 †¢Median Age: 26. 1 †¢27. 0% high school graduates 19. 1% have greater than 12th grade education North Lawndale suffers from a high unemployment rate (13%) and jobless rate among 20-24 year olds (59. 4%) . 34. 6% of residents between 18 and 24 years of age lack a high school diploma or GED. Many unemployed residents lack the basic skills and qualifications to secure livable wage jobs, especially those who attended Chicago public schools. Many North Lawndale residents are employed in repetitive, low-wage jobs that have almost no room for learning or growth and extremely limited earning potential.While North Lawndale is plagued by crime, vacant housing and unemployment, a strong web of social service organizations have affected positive changes in the area in recent years. After sponsoring a class of sixth graders in the neighborhood in 1986, the Steans Family created The Steans Family Foundation in North Lawndale that continues to contribute to the community today. The foundation's main focus areas are education, strengthening families and community development. Additionally, Homan Square has turned the former world headquarters of Sears, Roebuck and Co. nto a hub for the North Lawnd ale community. The former site of abandoned buildings, manufacturing plants and parking lots now features a vibrant community center offering education, medical services and health and wellness opportunities for all North Lawndale residents. This site is also home to new housing developments and two new schools. Goals and Objectives Part 1- Generating Goals and Objectives Herzl School of Excellence has based its needs off of the data that has been collected from the previous school year and the current school year.The areas that the school improvement team determined to be of concern were literacy and the learning environment. Sorenson et al. (2011) state, â€Å" Effective planning buys time , prepares leaders and teams to meet adaptive challenges, allows everyone to collaborate and encourages trust† (p. 146). The School Improvement Team at Herzl School of Excellence has designed goals and objectives based off of the data that has been collected and analyzed. The School Impro vement Team has designed goals and objectives to correlate with the District goals and Common Core Standards to help guide teachers in creating strategies for student improvement.These goals and objectives are aligned with Common Core Standards. Sorenson et al (2011) suggests, â€Å"When the principal and team prioritize goals and objectives as an expectation of the curriculum review and assessment process, it becomes apparent that certain instructional enhancements are necessary to build a strong academic program† (p. 74). The priorities for Herzl School of Excellence are literacy and school environment. First, the goals and objectives for literacy are as follows: School Improvement Goal 1: Herzl will work to increase students’ achievement in the area of literacy.Our goal is to increase our staff’s knowledge and skills in the area of literacy instruction (understand and implement best practices in the area of vocabulary development). It is our intent that this will ultimately increase the number of students meeting and exceeding grade level expectations in literacy development. Objective – Every student will excel in rigorous and relevant core curriculum that reflects what students need to know and demonstrate in a global 21st century environment. †¢ We will use the NWEA, ISAT, and IA as a measure of attainment.Our goal is to increase the number of students performing in the meets and exceeds level in literacy development. †¢ We will gather baseline data to determine the number of students currently not meeting grade level performance. Part 2 – Researching Strategies †¢ The administration will attend a conference on best practices in Spanish vocabulary instruction. The administration and staff will analyze data from CBMs, ISEL, the NWEA, ISAT, and IA to identify specific students needing extra support in literacy. The building administration and the LSC will provide professional development on best practice on vocabulary instruction. †¢ Each grade level team will develop a goal and action plan as a means to increased student achievement. †¢ The Learning Support Coaches will work with all grade level teams to identify resources, instructional support and feedback based on assessment data and their team goals. †¢ Target students will be given an opportunity to participate in an after school literacy program designed to meet their individual needs. Parents will be informed of their child’s literacy progress. School Improvement Goal 2: Herzl will continue working toward â€Å"Building Community: Acceptance for All† to create a learning environment where all people (students and staff alike) feel respected, valued, and supported to accomplish the mission of Herzl School of Excellence. Our goal is to build community, acceptance for all. This is a direct alignment with our District’s diversity goal. Our outcome is to increase students’ elements of inne r wealth (feelings of belonging, valued and having a level of competency to succeed). There is an observed need to develop a learning environment where all students and staff feel respected, valued, and supported to accomplish the mission of the Herzl School of Excellence. †¢ The administration and staff will develop a perception survey that will measure students’ feeling of belonging, feeling being valued and having a level of competency to succeed. Once baseline data has been collected, we will determine the target population and desired increase in these attributes of their inner wealth. A post survey will be administered to determine growth over time. The administration and staff will collect and analyze behavioral data on our target students (identified by the perception survey). Data will be collected during the months of November, December, January and February. Behaviors include their interactions with peers and staff, their willingness to participate in class, a nd their ability to be self-directed. The desired outcome will be an increase in positive behaviors. Part 2 – Researching Strategies †¢ The administration and staff will complete the culturally responsive questionnaire to determine next steps in professional development. Students will complete the perception survey (October and March). †¢ Staff and parents will be trained to apply the Nurtured Heart Approach as a means to increase our awareness and skills to help children increase their inner wealth. †¢ Administration and staff will create and conduct assemblies that promote character traits (Persistence, Respect, Ownership, Welcoming behaviors and Leadership). †¢ Target students will participate in a mentor program (Check-in/Check-out system). A mentoring program will begin in October and continue throughout the school year. Our school counselor will work with administration to educate our Herzl community on the purpose of â€Å"Building Community; Accep tance for All† and the strategies used at school. Resources and Community Involvement Step 1- Identifying School Resources Epstein developed the action team approach for school, family, and community partnerships to ensure that school, family, and community representatives shared responsibility for the development, implementation, and evaluation of partnership practices (Epstein & Hollifield, 1996). Herzl will use this approach when implementing the School Improvement Plan (SIP).Epstein’s framework of five types of family and community involvement — parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, and decision making will help us build partnerships and improve the school environment and support student learning. Action Teams for School-Family-Community Partnerships consist of six to twelve members including family members, teachers, administrators, other school staff (i. e. , counselors, nurses, parent liaisons), community representatives, and students i n the upper grades, selected to serve two-year, renewable terms.As an ILT member one of my jobs is to identify the school resources that will help manage Herzl’s School Improvement Plan. The resources needed to help with the school improvement plan first start with the funds that are provided by the state of Illinois and the Chicago Public School District, IDEA funding for instructional equipment and staffing and community. Herzl Elementary School is committed to the integration of technology as a teaching tool and technology use to overcome limitations of time and distance imposed by the geographical isolation of the community.A long-range technology plan has been developed and approved by the State of Illinois. In previous years, through grants and a successful bond issue, the district has replaced three to four computers in every elementary classroom, has constructed one twenty-one station computer labs, one twenty-two station computer lab, one twenty-four station computer lab and networked the entire building. Technology is pertinent to the School Improvement Plan because it allows the school to be managed efficiently and effectively. The School Improvement Plan will focus on: 1.Providing staff development in the integration of instructional technology. 2. Maintain funding to finance hardware, software, and teacher training to upgrade school-to-work application classes at the middle school and high school levels. 3. Make technology integration a component of every alignment process. 4. Update the long-range technology plan. Step 2 – Incorporating Community Involvement Wilmore (2002) accentuates the importance of community partnership. He implies that it should be a give and get partnership; one where interests and needs are being met by all stakeholders.This kind of partnership in which community is valued and input is often sought and taken into consideration (Wilmore, 2002). As the Principal, my staff and I will reach out to the community a nd maintain collaborative partnerships. It is my role, as principal, to work towards gaining the support and trust of those partnerships by not taking advantage of their efforts and work with students and the school (Robbins & Alvy, 2009). Our staff will rally out to our civic groups, churches and local businesses to create a collaborative partnership with our school.We will create technology nights, family fun days, parent curriculum night, and other community events to get our community involved with our school. As a result, local businesses will get additional clientele and the civic groups and churches will receive advertisement for their groups. The School Improvement Team has discussed how to make sure parents are involved with the community and get important information out to our parents because it has been proven that increased parent and community involvement will impact student achievement.Family Involvement Strategies: †¢ â€Å"Back to school night† †¢ D isseminate school information and news †¢ Families meet teachers and support staff †¢ Community partner open house – parents have an opportunity to meet all community and business partners and gather information †¢ Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) †¢ Host of â€Å"Back to school night† †¢ Recruits new members †¢ Liaison between parents and the school †¢ Manages parent volunteer pool †¢ On-going school-parent communication †¢ Bi-Monthly progress reports to parents Monthly school contact: newsletters, emails, phone contacts, teacher notes and letters home †¢ Monthly Parent Events †¢ Celebrate parent involvement & recognition Business Involvement Strategies: †¢ Administration will continue to build relationships with new businesses around the community and nurture and support existing business partnerships †¢ Quarterly meetings with business partners to discuss strengths and weaknesses as it relates to shar ed goals †¢ Continue the sharing of resources: human, fiscal and facilities †¢ Volunteers to tutor & MentorPolitical Involvement Strategies: †¢ Stay abreast of federals and state legislation and policies †¢ Build and sustain relationships with school board and central office †¢ On-going dissemination of school activities and events to the school board and central office Our team has created a partnership with the newspapers to showcase our successes with the school. We have representatives to communicate with the local newspapers to not only showcase students but serve as an educational resource for the paper.In having this collaboration with the local news, we are establishing positive communication to our community, as a result, our teachers are becoming more trustworthy, parents are more respectful to the teacher and the school is promoting a highly effective school-family-community relationship. Our school will work closely with agencies such as social s ervices, and behavioral management agencies for the safety of our students. This will ensure that they receive their education on a daily basis.Wilmore (2002) states, â€Å"We must reach out to multiple stakeholders, including families, social service agencies, and the media to create collaborative partnerships in which everyone gives and receives† (p. 78) These resources support student achievement by empowering students, and parents to become aware of their needs and educate them on what and how they can achieve success in their lives. With these resources, we plan on incorporating the community into our classrooms as a resource depending on their experiences and skills to help our students to be independent and to be global competitors in the 21st century.ACTION PLAN I. Collaborate with families and the community a. School Calendar will be created to manage parent, community and business stakeholder meetings –monthly meetings and quarterly meetings for businesses i. Post on school’s website for accessibility to all stakeholders b. Ongoing communication from administration, school, teachers and staff –see above c. School event calendar –parent and community invitations d. Strategic plan – strategies outlined in a systematic progression for the entire school year II. Responding to community interest and needs . Collaborate with the community stakeholders and facilitate a community needs assessment at the beginning of the school year to support the community and the goals of the school simultaneously b. Share facilities and resources with stakeholders i. Community forums, meetings, events etc. ii. Create a â€Å"Community Learning Center† –after school activities etc. iii. Support organizations with volunteers –reciprocity c. Build relationships with community organizations –diverse group of organizations that represent the student demographics i.Provide opportunities to celebrate diversity and educate the school and community in cultural diversity ii. Encourage community and parent involvement in the schools III. Use of school and community resources a. Use the community needs assessment and SIP to collaboratively allocate community stakeholder resources to meet the needs of the community and the school b. Develop a collaborative action plan that aligns with the school’s SIP to use as a framework for collectively allocation the school and community resources IV. Solicitation of support and new resources . The chair of each sub-committee and the administration team will be responsible for researching information regarding new resources and support. The chair will submit the information to administration on a quarterly basis. i. The administration team will be responsible for soliciting the new support and resources—build relationships. ii. The administration team will report back to the CIP quarterly. Monitoring and Assessing Herzl Elementary School is a data driven school that will be constantly monitoring students through formative and summative assessments.Dufour and Marzano (2011), emphasizes that with more monitoring there will be more achievement and effective monitoring will focus on test scores and teacher practices that will led to the test scores (p. 119). Our school will continuously collect data through numerous amounts of assessments. Our school will be reviewing data that are aligned with the Common Core Standards. Our assessments include the NWEA testing which allows us to look at student’s improvement over the course of the year, the ISAT test which tests grades third through eighth in reading, math, and science, and the RTI nd literacy instruction. RTI not only evaluate the needs of students but it recommends different learning techniques on students to become more proficient in their content areas. Internal Review Visits will be conducted. Internal Review Visits are opportunities for self-reflection, self-mo nitoring, and a conversation with outside observers about school improvement at the school — a â€Å"snapshot† of the school’s school improvement process, products, results, and plans.A consultation team examines the school profile data and the School Improvement Plan – to include the implementation of the plan – and provides feedback and recommendations to the staff to enhance their school improvement process and products. To improve Goal 1- To monitor and assess the implementation for effectiveness, teachers will also monitor the students on a daily, weekly, quarterly and annual basis. The data that will be used for the effectiveness of the reading proficiently will be reading logs, reading observations, teacher feedback, tutoring logs and feedback.These assessments will be used on a daily and weekly basis. DAR, K-8 assessments, and report cards will be visited on a quarterly basis and EOG testing and summative assessments will be visited on an a nnual basis. Based on the results of the assessments, the school improvement team will determine in additional teacher training is required. There will also be increased teaching tools and collaboration between classroom teachers and media coordinator/technology facilitator.We will also see what is needed to improve record keeping in book circulation, team planning minutes, and flexible grouping within the classroom and in team grade collaboration. There will also be more focused objectives for in-school tutoring programs and teachers will providing specific goals and objectives for children involved in this program so that it can be better assessed. To Improve Goal 2 – To monitor and assess our â€Å"Building Community: Acceptance for All† the administration and staff will complete the culturally responsive questionnaire to determine next steps in professional development.Students will complete the perception survey (October and March). Staff and parents will be train ed to apply the Nurtured Heart Approach as a means to increase our awareness and skills to help children increase their inner wealth. Administration and staff will create and conduct assemblies that promote character traits (Persistence, Respect, Ownership, Welcoming behaviors and Leadership). Target students will participate in a mentor program (Check-in/Check-out system). A mentoring program will begin in October and continue throughout the school year.Our SFCP will work with administration to educate our Herzl community on the purpose of â€Å"Building Community; Acceptance for All† and the strategies used at school. Effective classroom assessment and monitoring to enhance student achievement will be a collaborative effort and Herzl Elementary School. Teacher, Teacher Assistants, Literacy Coachers, Media Coordinator, Technology Facilitator, Tutor Coordinator, and the RTI team will be utilized for the success of the student. By working collaboratively with the staff, the sc hool will continuously convey the â€Å"shared vision† of the school for the success of all students.Through collaboration we will ensure high levels of quality student learning through our core beliefs, vision, and mission, goals, and data analysis. We will plan the way that enables the realization of excellence. (Robbins and Alvy, 2009, p. 120) Our teachers’, students and staff are continuing to grow and learn. The School Improvement Plan provides a foundation for the school and teachers’ to have focal points of what they should be teaching. In the next three years we expect our students to have significant growth. With collaboration, professional development, tools and resources, and teacher leaders, our school will be successful.Expected Outcomes In Grades 3-8, 29% of the students will achieve proficiency on the 2013 ISAT Math test. In Grades 3-8, 54% of the students will achieve above proficiency on the 2013 ISAT Math test. In Grades 3-8, 68% of students wi ll achieve learning gains on the 2013 ISAT Math test. In Grades 3-8, at least 58% of the lowest 25% will achieve adequate progress on the 2013 ISAT Math test. Herzl School of Excellence school culture either will supports quality professional learning. Herzl will develop and sustain a positive, professional culture that nurtures staff learning for everyone in the school.With a strong, positive culture that supports professional development and student learning, Herzl will become a place where every teacher makes a difference and every child learns. References DuFour, R. , & Marzano, R. J. (2011). Leaders of learning: How district, school, and classroom leaders improve student achievement. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press. ISBN: 9781935542667. Epstein, J. L. , & Hollifield, J. H. (1996). Title I implications for comprehensive school-family community partnerships: Using theory and research to realize the potential. Journal of Education for Students Placed At Risk, 1(3).Rath, T. , & Conchie, B. (2008). Strengths based leadership. New York, NY: Gallup Press. ISBN: 9781595620255. Robbins, P. M. , & Alvy, H. B. (2009). The principal's companion (3rd ed. ). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Sorenson, R. D. , Goldsmith, L. M. , Mendez, Z. Y. , & Maxwell, K. T. (2011). The principal's guide to curriculum leadership. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. ISBN: 9781412980807. Wilmore, E. L. (2002). Principal leadership: Applying the new educational leadership constituent council (ELCC) standards. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.