Important to the public Essay Example for Free

Important to the public Essay The Gallup organization has surveyed American schools for the past 40 years. These surveys, carried over the years, have served as a mirror to reflect the country’s educational achievements, attitudes and perceptions held by various education stakeholders regarding the education system, and to serve as a pointer of reflecting the overall direction of the education sector. It should not be lost on us that the Gallup poll is not meant to be a rapid snapshot for public perception. Rather, the poll is conducted annually to provide all education stakeholders with some useful insights in tracking public opinion about the American educational system. Therefore, the poll is carried in the most straightforward and honest manner, with its objective set at accounting for how Americans perceive their public schools and the learning process. Below, I offer my reactions. Americans opinions regarding schools Being an election year in the United States, The question of who most Americans trust to run their schools could not escape the Gallup survey. I totally agree with the Gallup study that the democratic presidential candidate, Barrack Obama looks more responsive and supportive towards public schools than his challenger, John McCain. This is basically because of the policies that Obama want to institute in the education system. His comprehensive zero to five plan will offer the much needed support to young children and their parents in the United States. He has continued to emphasize early care and education for infants, and has promised to develop an Early Learning Challenge Grants to promote states to move towards voluntary, universal pre-school education. For positive transformation of Americans public schools to take place, the next American president must turn away from using business or political leaders in developing policies for public schools, to utilizing education leaders. To this, I can’t agree more since previous political leaders have been involved in legislating unpopular laws that harm the public schools instead of making the efficient. For example, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) rule needs to be radically reformed by improving on its accountability schemes so that schools that need improvements are supported, rather than being punished. It is also true that most Americans believe that the federal government is still not doing enough to fund the public schools. Federal funds should be increased to maintain local public schools. However, there is a mix-up of issues in that Americans want educational leaders, state and local educators to be more involved in the running of the public schools but they do not want to shoulder the massive costs involved, preferring to request the federal government to meet the ever-rising educational budget. Here, I think that average Americans must be prepared to meet the accrued cost burden arising out of educational expenses (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). Majority of the parents perceive their children in public schools to be well behaved. According to me, this is not the case. Discipline in American public schools is a matter of concern. Though the problem of lack of discipline is real, parents are more generally concerned with overcrowding at schools. Infact, during its lifetime, the annual Gallup poll of the public’s attitudes towards public school continue to point out that the most serious problem facing the nation’s educational system is lack of discipline. There are many grave concerns about the dangers and disorders of lack of discipline in school environments. These dangers involve cheating, drug use, insubordination, intimidation, and truancy. It is estimated that unbecoming behaviors in U. S. schools is directly related to nearly two million suspensions per year (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). Average Americans continue to perceive community Schools positively. In the recent survey, 46 percent of the respondents assigned grades A and B to community schools, as opposed to 22 percent, who favored nation’s schools. I clearly agree with this finding. Morale and confidence, is quite low in most American’s public schools, and majority of the people interviewed believed that the Democratic presidential candidate, Barrack Obama, have the capability to remedy the situation by offering practical solutions to problems that have made the American public lack confidence in public schools (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). Parents continue to carry in high esteem the schools attended by their oldest children. 72 percent of the parents said that their perceptions regarding the school attended by their oldest children were positive. The Americans attitudes and perceptions towards other public schools in Europe and Asia were even more positive. Almost a half of the respondents assigned these European and Asian schools grades of A and B, as opposed to the much lower grades they assigned to their nation’s schools. I totally disagree with this finding and believe that Americans schools are the best that there is in the world. My reflection is reinforced by the view that America receives more applications from foreign students, wanting to come and study in the U. S. If the system is poor, this could not be the case. Our students are competitive, and compare favorably to other students around the world when it comes to their creativity and problem solving skills. Two-thirds of all Americans are satisfied with the education standards set by policy makers. I agree with that assertion (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). Important educational issues First, majority of Americans feels that it is important to re-organize the No Child Left Behind rule as it has outlived its usefulness. The NCLB Act of 2001 remade some federal programs that were aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the U. S. public primary and secondary schools. This was to be achieved by increasing the accountability for schools, school districts, and states. Parents were provided with more flexibility in deciding which schools their siblings attend. The NCLB was aimed at increasing the educational standards, but not any more. It needs to be changed drastically, or abandoned in its entirety. In the latest Gallup survey, only 16 percent of the respondents said they can re-administer the NCLB legislation without valid changes. I totally agree with the concerns raised (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). Another important educational issue is the School progress measurement system. An overwhelming majority of Americans would like the school progress to be measured, not by a single score as NCLB propagates, but rather by student’s improvement. Nearly 80 percent of the respondents believed that teacher grades, examples of student’s work, and teacher observations are the most dependable measurements of students’ academic progress. I totally agree with that assertion to do away with test scores in our education systems (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). For American educational system to be globally competitive, a change in the belief system of average Americans must take place. Majority of Americans think that their education system is pretty bad and inferior. Everyday, we read in the media about the poor performance of our nation’s schools. But the problem may not even lie with the schools. Children must be trained to achieve more in their schooling to be able to be competitive in the globalized market (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). Another important educational issue that needs to be addressed is the use of standardized testing. According to experienced teachers, standardized testing lacks in quality as it only works to produce simplistic results that are embraced by policy makers as indicators of excellence. Teaching techniques need to be looked into, and if possible, overhauled. To prepare the children of tomorrow, we need to move away from standardized testing and integrate into our learning institutions some student-centered learning processes (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). Poll results and future planning by public educators First, it would be the challenge of the incoming president to develop a more broader vision of learning and performance, while greatly expanding opportunities to run and raise educational standards. The incoming president needs to increase federal budgets for public schools to effectively meet the costs incurred by school administrators (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). Public educators must also come up with national strategies and policies that would enable the Americans change their belief system, that there is a bad system of education. If such a belief is changed, educators can achieve much in guiding the education system in America. Also, public educators must plan on how they will change the education system from using standardized testing procedures which narrows the students’ desire and imagination, to a more student-centered approach that will free the student and make him enjoy the learning process. All education stake holders must ensure that they come up with strategies that preserve the relevance of education in our learning institutions. Students should not be taught just to pass examinations. They need to be taught how to utilize that education to take care of themselves (â€Å"Highlights†, 2008). In future, education stakeholders must come up with ways of increasing their funding base instead of relying on federal government’s alone. This can be achieved by developing networks and partnerships with other organizations. Education stakeholders need to realize that financial incentives are much needed if the problem of inadequate staffing is to be effectively dealt with. Educational policy makers must from now rely on the expertise of educators while drawing and formulating national education policies, instead of relying on business leaders. Marked improvement in the education system will be reflected if some or all of the above issues are addressed. Reference Highlights of the 40th PDK/ Gallup Poll. (2008). Retrieved October 21 2008, from http://www. pdkmembers. org/members_online/publications/e-GALLUP/kpoll_pdfs/pdkpoll40_2008. pdf

Braveheart Essay example -- essays research papers

It has been said that the best things in life are worth fighting for. In the movie Braveheart starring Mel Gibson this thought is the basis for the whole movie. This film was based on the real life story of Scotland's rebellion from under English rule in the thirteenth century.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  William Wallace, played by Gibson, was a son of a common soldier. He desired nothing more in life than to move back to his homeland years after his father's death and to start a farm and a family. Wallace's plans are drastically interrupted when the English lord of the land kills his wife in order to get to him. Instead of making him weak, the murder of his wife prompts William to begin a rebellion of English rule. He inspires thousands of Scotsmen to fight the English soldiers for their freedom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This movie is an incredible display of the ability of a country to fight against oppression from evil. Mel Gibson does a wonderful job playing a character who fights with passion for his country and for the memory of his wife. It is uncommon to find a movie where the main character fights with as much feeling and emotion as William Wallace does. He is an intelligent man and would not have fought in a war unless it was for a meaningful cause. Before the death of his wife he is approached by some of the villagers to fight against the English but refuses to because he doesn't feel it is necessary.   Ã‚  Ã‚  &n...

Occupational Stress in Law Enforcement & Intervention Strategies

Occupational Stress in Law Enforcement & Intervention Strategies Stress in law enforcement is complex. Stressors vary by individual and because of that combatting stress is law enforcement is not an easy task. Broad strokes and blanket programs are used in an effort to reach the greatest number of employees with strategies designed to prevent and reduce stress in the field of law enforcement. I believe that a more individualized approach is required to have the greatest impact on officers working in this field.The occupation of a police officer is commonly referred to as one of the most stressful occupations. Causes of stress for police officers can be linked to the organizational structure and the demands of the profession to include shift work, overtime, and years of service. The rigid nature of the organization has been referred to as one of the primary sources of stress for law enforcement. In addition to the stress of the organizational structure, police encounter the threat of violent criminals and disturbing crime scenes as a part of routine daily possibilities.Potential causes of stress for correctional staff are similar to the stress that police officers endure. Stress is derived from internal and external sources to include, prison/jail organizational structure, nature of work-supervision of the inmate population, overtime, shift work, length of time on the job, privacy/safety concerns, threats of inmate violence/actual inmate violence, inmate demands/manipulations, co-workers, specific post or assignments, poor public image, and low pay.Correctional officers and police officers had the highest rates of non-fatal violent incidents at work between 1990-1995 (Finn, p. , 2001). Research regarding causes of stress for law enforcement was inconsistent when attempting to determine the highest rates of stress. Areas of concern for both correctional and police officers that experience work-related stress span from work-related effects to the effects on the em ployees personal life. Officers can suffer physical ailments as a result of work-related stress that include heart disease, high blood pressure, and eating disorders, etc.Studies have shown that disability of officers has been linked to stress related causes. Additional areas of concern are staff burnout, personal and family relationships that include the displacement of frustration onto family/friends and poor work performance which ultimately compromises institutional safety and creates stress for co-workers. One of the most significant causes of stress in law enforcement is critical incidents and the impact of critical incident stress in law enforcement.A critical incident can be defined as â€Å"any situation in which an officer’s expectations of personal infallibility suddenly become tempered by imperfection and crude reality† (Kureczka, 1996). Critical Incidents in law enforcement are loosely defined because the nature of the incidents can affect officers differe ntly. Examples of critical incidents in law enforcement include line of duty death, serious injury of a co-worker, officer involved shooting, traumatic death of a child, hostage and riot situations. Critical Incident Stress can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.Four to ten percent of individuals who experience a critical incident will develop PTSD. Research shows that 87% of all emergency workers experience the effects of critical incident stress (Kureczka,1996). Stressors can be multiplied by compounding events (i. e. death of a suspect and injury to the officer). The effects of a critical incident affect the officer physically, emotionally and cognitively. Physical affects (effects) can range from headaches, muscle aches, sleep disturbance, decreased sexual activity, decreased appetite, and impotence.Emotional affects include anxiety, fear, guilt, sadness, anger, irritability, withdrawal and a sense of feeling lost. Cognitive affects include flashbacks, repeated visions of th e incident, nightmares, slowed thinking, difficulty in decision making, disorientation, memory lapse, and the lack the ability to concentrate. Intervention strategies include a variety of options that have been implemented in law enforcement over the past twenty years. Some intervention programs are specific to the everyday stressors of the profession while others are more concentrated to areas involving critical incidents.The development and establishment of stress programs or Employee Assistance Programs are types of intervention programs available. Programs vary by department and in levels of perceived success. Possible program components include trained correctional staff assisting other correctional staff that have experienced a critical incident at work, implementation of a counseling team, implementation of a stress unit, critical incident debriefing, increased communication with employees, wellness programs, staff involvement in policy making and training & education program s.The benefits of the implementation of programs to help employees deal with stress include, reduction of overtime costs incurred due to sick time usage, reduction in staff turnover rates, enhanced staff morale coupled with improved job performance, increased institutional and officer safety, improved relations with the union, staff feeling that management/administrators value them as individuals. The role of the administration in providing support to officers’ both pre and post critical incidents has a tremendous The administration’s role in combatting critical incident stress is mutually beneficial to the employee and the agency.The agency impact is on the organizational structure (i. e. other officers, the department, the public, and families) as a whole as well as budgetary impact that affects all areas (retention, training, etc. ). When compared to the cost of intervention, it is financially more beneficial to the organization to spend money on intervention which in turn also benefits the entire organizational structure. . Intervention strategies specific to critical incidents include counseling for employees with counselors that have a thorough understanding f the type of work of law enforcement, as well as the availability of peer support officers that are specially trained to recognize problems and make referrals. The availability of pre-incident stress education and stress management training for new recruits and seasoned employees throughout employment allows employees who experience critical incident stress to recognize the signs and seek help. Additional orientations for families also provides for information on stress in law enforcement to be communicated to prepare families for what to expect in the event that an incident occurs.References Finn, P. (2001). Addressing Correctional Officer Stress: Programs and Strategies. Criminal Justice Media, Inc. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/socialsciences/docview/ 214386062/fulltex t/ 136F9663B05382C356E/ 3? accountid=36616 on May 28, 2012 Kureczka, A. (1996). Critical Incident Stress in Law Enforcement, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/socialsciences/docview/204132441/ fulltextPDF/136F9D8BC523F17E9DF/2? accountid=36616 on May 28, 2012 Feemster, S. 2010). The Forensic Examiner. Addressing the Urgent Need for Multi- Dimensional Training in Law Enforcement Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/ SocialSciences/docview/859010103/fulltextPDF/136FB22E6C16A280637/4? accountid= 36616 on May 28, 2012 To Quit or not to Quit: Perceptions of Participation in Correctional Decision Making and the Impact of Organizational Stress Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/social sciences/docview/214563577/136FB3A66E950711643/2? accountid=36616 on May 28, 2012Jaramillo, F. , Nixon, R. & Sams, D. (2004). The Effect of Law Enforcement Stress on Organizational Commitment. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/socialsciences/ d ocview /211301458/ fulltextPDF/136FB495CC464AAE192/14? accountid=36616 on May 28, 2012 McCarty, W. , Zhao, J. & Garland, B. , (2007). Occupational Stress and Burnout between Male and Female Police Officers Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/socialsciences/ docview/211277163/fulltextPDF/136FBFDCC4976A43D80/1? accountid=36616 on May

Technology Social Media Playfulness and Human Affect - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 843 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/03/24 Category Society Essay Topics: Social Media Essay Did you like this example? Play has long been a fascinating topic for researchers studying children psychology, but Proyer (2017) examines how play in general in its respective field is severely understudied and even less research is undertaken with adults. The author acknowledges that across any particular discipline, play and playfulness are incredibly difficult to define and measure, which may explain why the research is so scarce. Despite these difficulties however, studies have begun to increase over the last several years focusing on play and playfulness, specifically adult play. Even with the difficulties of defining and measuring play and playfulness, Barnett (2007) was able to devise a system of descriptors and traits that are commonly related to playfulness were then further placed on a sliding scale of low to high. The goal of the study was to see if playfulness in general could be more easily identified as a psychological construct in young adults (university students) (Barnett 2007). Even with the difficulties of measuring playfulness, this study showed how playfulness can be defined and measured even if it means different things to different people. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Technology Social Media Playfulness and Human Affect" essay for you Create order Looking at adult play from a historical standpoint, Voogt (2017) explores how games of strategy, and the use of such game play by adults is more likely to be found in more complex societies. Even though strategy games are more often than not played by adults, the bulk of game-play research up to this point has primarily been focused on children instead of adults. Since there is no current research on the connection between adult play in general and the historical significance of games, the author suggests that research on the combined two would be a productive move forward. When looking at modern society, it has become increasingly frowned upon for adults to engage in play. Adults are seen as the responsible members of society and any activity that has the potential to go against that or embarrass the adult is therefore seen as unacceptable. Exploring this topic further, Deterding (2018) looks how the societal standard of play (often referred to as childlike play) is at odds with what it considered appropriate and responsible adult conduct. He aims to uncover ways that adult play can live within the standards of society without being embarrassing. Deterding examines how even though adult play is frowned upon, adults do engage in play quite frequently and often quite unashamedly: Bingo nights, bowling clubs, Adult Fans of Legos, etc. (Deterding 2018). Yet, the underlying problem remains that adults should be embarrassed by partaking in playful activities. The study aims to further uncover the connection between adulthood, play, and embarrassment, and how to engage adults in non-embarrassing play. While play in general is often seen as a negative adult activity, Scott (2018) examines the role of the more acceptable leisurely adult in peoples lives. Scott aims to rediscover the adult play group, which he defines as a collection of adults who meet at regular intervals to participate in a given leisure activity (Scott 2018). The scholar notes that leisure activities in general can be deeply enjoyable flow experiences that result in people becoming completely absorbed by the action and losing all sense of time and place (Scott 2018). While there is plenty of research on leisure activities in and of themselves, there are far less studies about adults who participate in common leisure activities. Scott attempts to show not only how adult play groups form, but how they operate on a finer level to create social capital and potentially empower their participants. In another study pertaining to the implications of adult play, L. and Stenros (2018) attempt to explore the implications behind the phrase adult play, insinuating that even though sexual play could be a part of this broader topic, there are many branches of other activities that could equally be classified as adult play. Through a series of articles, Stenros, et al. uncovers that from a societal standpoint, it appears to be more transgressive and risky for adults to engage in an activity marked as play that is not of a sexual nature (Stenros, et al. 2018). The research of these articles attempts to build bridges between different research traditions. Since adult play is such a vast field, it could be approached from the discipline of game studies but also from sexology, toy studies, sociology, play studies, and game design research (Stenros, et al. 2018). Now closely looking at toy play, Heljakka (2018) explores how three different types of adults (theorists, hobbyists, and every day players) think about and engage with what is known as adult toy play. The author acknowledges that with the advancements in sociotechnological developments such as the rise in the popularity of the Internet and most importantly the growing popularity of social media platforms as playscapes, we are witnessing a gradually strengthening emergence of the once ephemeral phenomenon of adult toy play. (Heljakka 2018). While the adult who engages in play with these toys shies away from acknowledging their activity as actual play, through interviews, Heljakka attempts to open the idea of play to the toy-interested adult who is engaging in activities that are seemingly already playful in nature.