From the Paper "This paper compares and contrasts theories about how children learn to read and what methods are most effective for teaching reading. Literacy is an essential skill in contemporary society, and considerable research has been devoted to understanding how it is acquired. Yet experts still do not agree on the use of phonics, the rote memorization of rules, or a whole-language approach, in which complete immersion leads to the ability to read. Some argue for a combination of techniques but disagree on the relative proportions of each. Experts also disagree on how early to begin teaching reading and the content of the materials that ought to be presented during the early stages. This paper examines the writings of several different researchers in the field and compares the themes and theories of each."
From the Paper "PARENTS AS PARTNERS
Introduction
Parents are partners with children in their conquest over learning disabilities. Parental reactions and effects as well as their different roles and involvement are important components related to the child's ability to cope and succeed. Severity of disability and normalization reflect areas of controversy and concern.
Parental Roles, Reactions, & Effects
Parent's reactions to children with learning problems often reflect a house divided. Parents have different roles and participation of each is different. The mother gives birth to the child and often seems clairvoyant about the child's development; she may see what others cannot see and yet she may.."
From the Paper EBONICS AND LITERACY
"Dialects in the United States are spread throughout the country. Not all members of a group speak the same dialect, and dialects among groups differ. he most controversial dialect in American English is Ebonics. In order to advance socially and economically, individuals must have access to the culture of power, and therefore, dialect use is often discouraged by teachers in favor of Standard English use. But, does sufficient reason exist to discard or devalue vernacular dialects in pursuit of literacy in Standard English?
There is "scarcely a country in the world today that could claim to be monolingual in any real sense…Furthermore, historical linguistic conflicts reemerge as minorities assert their identity" ("Literacy", no date, p. 1). In 1990, over 30% of the public school ..."
Abstract "The purpose of this research is to examine issues surrounding the emotional development of children exposed to drugs at the prenatal stage. The plan of the research will be to set forth a working definition of emotional development and more generally the context for investigating this topic.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine issues surrounding the emotional development of children exposed to drugs at the prenatal stage. The plan of the research will be to set forth a working definition of emotional development and more generally the context for investigating this topic, and then to discuss ways in which emotional development is compromised by prenatal exposure to drugs known to have toxic properties at each developmental stage, as well as programs that may be available to both parents and children that come within the meaning of the problem area.
Human development has been described as "the study of the way cultural traditions and social practices regulate, express, transform, and permute the human psyche, resulting less in psychic unity for humankind than in ethnic divergences in mind, self ..."
Examines the positive and negative effects, gender issues, competition, the role of parents and coaches, moral development, physical requirements, injuries, protective equipment and diet.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 15 sources, 1999, $ 119.95
Abstract "Controlled sports permeate the everyday life of American society. Even young children are affected through their exposure to organized athletics, which include baseball/softball, soccer, football, karate/judo, wrestling, field/ice hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and rugby.
From the Paper "Controlled sports permeate the everyday life of American society. Even young children are affected through their exposure to organized athletics, which include baseball/softball, soccer, football, karate/judo, wrestling, field/ice hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and rugby. Participation in such sports can have both a positive and negative effect on the lives of children.
Griffin (1998) offers research and personal insight on organized athletics in an attempt to help parents make decisions about their children and sports. One of the main issues the author addresses is what impact sports have on the social, physical, and moral development of children. The basis of this book is that children see sports as more than just enjoyment and the enhancement of physical skills, particularly for the child who is an enthusiastic participant: "sports is about growing up ..."
Abstract This paper discusses that "family values" goes back to the Founding Fathers and was once as important as intellectual development. The author feels that changes in the "family" mean that the schools are in a better to explore social issues and citizen responsibility. The author suggests that a child's curriculum should include honesty, respect, citizenship and a respect for others.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Family Values
Variables Affecting Families
Importance of Teaching Values in Schools
Conclusion
From the Paper "Teaching values within the educational system in this country goes back to the days of our Founding Fathers. ?Thomas Jefferson's "Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge" argued for an educational system that would fortify citizens with moral probity to resist the schemes of the enemies of liberty? (Bennett 1995). Benjamin Franklin in his ?Proposals Relating to the Education of the Young,? ?prescribed the study of ethics in an instructional program that would seek to instill "benignity of mind"? (Bennett 1995). Citizenship awareness is as important today as it was in the 18th Century."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of a child with ADHD. The writer discusses the diagnosis process and then develops a detailed treatment plan of the child in his educational setting as well as his home environment. The writer also provides a literature critique of published studies on the topic of ADHD.
From the Paper "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD) has recently been the focus of media attention. The debates have centered around its existence, and if it exists the way it impacts the lives of those who have it. Children with ADHD often have a hard time with social interaction, education, and family relationships because of the clinical manifestations it expresses. Children who have ADHD can be productive and successful if they have a well thought out treatment plan in place. "
Abstract This essay talks about college alcoholism and its affect on society. The paper discusses why alcoholism among college students is particularly common due to factors such as peer pressure, loneliness and exam pressures. The dangers and myths of alcoholism among college students are also discussed.
From the Paper "Each passing year, thousands of college students lose their lives to alcohol. Commonly referred to as the social drug, alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death among college students. It is estimated that as many as 360,000 of the nation's twelve million undergraduates will ultimately die from alcohol related causes, far more than the number of students who will be awarded advanced degrees (Shalala 5). Although the nation's budget allots millions of dollars towards programs to prevent alcoholism among college students, the number of college alcoholics continues to rise annually. While the causes of drinking vary from person to person, they are typically due to peer pressure, depression, loneliness, fraternities, and the lack of parental guidance."
Abstract This paper examines the new "No Child Left Behind" act of 2001. The paper begins with a history of standardized testing and discusses the buildup to the law. It explains the principles and intentions of the law and what it hopes to achieve. It then look at the pros and cons of standardized testing, examining whether this could really be in the best interest of the child.
From the Paper "No Child Left Behind is based on eight principles. First, (and most controversially) there is to be accountability of results. This means that in grades 3-8 students will take tests in reading and math and parents will receive school and state report cards. The data will also be made available to the public. Second, the program is designed to create flexibility at the state and local level and reduce red tape, although critics do not agree with this assertion. Ten programs were cut or consolidated at the U.S. Department of Education and schools now have the flexibility to transfer up to 50 percent of the funds they receive from the federal government into alternative programs. (This does not include Title I funds). Third, HR 1 expanded options for parents of children from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing additional funds for school choice, supplemental services, and charter schools. Fourth, HR 1 tripled the amount of federal money appropriated for reading programs. Sixth, the bill required that a fully qualified teacher be in every classroom by 2005. Seventh, there is a confirming process to ensure standardized test quality. Finally, measures were taken to help limited English proficient (LEP) students learn English quickly."
Abstract This paper discusses the main principle behind the "No Child Left Behind" Act of 2001 - that students would be tested in reading and math every year from 3rd grade on. It shows how schools which score well would be rewarded while those that score poorly would be punished. The paper questions whether this is a good plan and whether it will make education in America better.
From the Paper "No Child Left Behind is based on seven principles. First, (and most controversially) there is to be accountability of results. This means that in grades 3-8 students will take tests in reading and math and parents will receive school and state report cards. The data will also be made available to the public. Second, the program is designed to create flexibility at the state and local level and reduce red tape, although critics do not agree with this assertion. Ten programs were cut or consolidated at the U.S. Department of Education and schools now have the flexibility to transfer up to 50 percent of the funds they receive from the federal government into alternative programs. (This does not include Title I funds). Third, HR 1 expanded options for parents of children from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing additional funds for school choice, supplemental services, and charter schools. Fourth, HR 1 tripled the amount of federal money appropriated for reading programs. Fifth, the bill required that a fully qualified teacher be in every classroom by 2005. Sixth, there is a confirming process to ensure standardized test quality. Finally, measures were taken to help limited English proficient (LEP) students learn English quickly."
From the Paper "Case number one on the Supreme Court docket for the October Term, 1953, bore the simple and unassuming title of Brown et al. v. Board of Education of Topeka et al. This simply titled case would give rise to one of the most important judicial decisions of this century; racial segregation in the public schools was a violation of the constitution and therefore, unconstitutional. This case was a landmark victory for those seeking integration in the United States. This paper will discuss the Brown case and the Court's decision which was handed down on the afternoon of May 17, 1954.
Five separate legal suits were sent to the Supreme Court at approximately the same time and they all dealt with the same single basic issue --- school segregation. The cases were grouped together under the Brown Case. So it was by accident of(...)"
Abstract This paper examines Abraham Maslow's theory of human development, which Maslow diagrammed as a hierarchy of needs. The paper provides a comprehensive description of this hierarchy, the base of which is formed by physiological needs, followed by social needs and culminating in self-actualization. The paper discusses the stages of early childhood development in relation to Maslow's hierarchy, and includes an overview of the developmental problems with abused children.
Table of Contents
Theory of Human Development
Physiological Needs
Safety/Order Needs
Social Needs
Esteem Needs
Self-actualization
Development Stages
Development Flaws in Abused Children
Bibliography
From the Paper "Abraham Maslow's theory of human development suggests that basic needs are physiological and that the ultimate at the top of the pyramid model is self-actualization, which implies an unattached human being realizing its full potential and autonomy (Maslow). Maslow's theory of human development involves moving from basic needs (food and shelter) to social needs (love and esteem) to the highest needs on his hierarchy, which lead to self-actualization. According to Maslow's theory, humans have several types of needs: physiological, safety/order, social, esteem and self-actualization (Maslow). These needs are the basis of his human development theory."
Abstract Regular television viewers exercise less, often snack more, and so forth, but what is particularly disturbing is the effect such chronic television watching is having on the reading habits of our nation's children. The paper looks at the reasons why children of today are reading less, starting from the fact that they are simply mimicking their parents lack of reading habits and leading to the fact that television reduces a child's speaking (and thus reading) abilities due to their lack of personal contact. The paper examines what parents can do to influence and change their children's viewing habits and how they can direct them to enjoy the world of literature.
From the Paper "Thus, excessive television viewing adversely affects children's reading and learning abilities regardless of socio-economic background, or prior study habits and academic achievements. Television acts like a mind-numbing drug depriving children of their imagination and their ability to engage in complex reasoning. It accustoms them to expect everything to be presented to them polished up and fully formed. Children who watch too much TV neglect many other activities in favor of watching television. They read less and interact less with those around them, in particular their parents or other adults. Television robs children of the power to discover their world for themselves, and instead feeds them an easily-digested pabulum, that all too many young people mistake for the reality of their existence. Television can be a help, and it can serve the purpose of providing innocent entertainment, but parents and teachers must make sure that children fully understand how to read."
Abstract This paper presents and discusses each side of the drug testing argument, showing that each has its good and bad points. The argument to have no drug testing and the argument to have random drug testing are discussed only briefly, since the paper argues that there can be only one 'right' answer to the drug testing question. The writer claims that in a public high school setting it is the school's right to test for drugs in its athletes if the students have been notified and the date of testing is known.
From the Paper "Recently, the debate over whether high school athletes could be tested for illegal drugs has gotten more heated. There are not two, but three sides to this tricky and complex argument. One side says that high school athletes should never be drug tested for any reason, one side says that high school athletes should be able to be drug tested at any time, based on the discretion of the teacher or coach, and one side says that scheduled drug testing of high school students should be acceptable but random testing should not be. Why the distinction between scheduled and random testing?"
Abstract Discusses the pros and cons of Bilingual education in the United States. Importance of English proficiency to the overall learning process. Problems with English-As-A-Second-Language instruction. Necessity of accountability to boith immersion & bilingual progams. Problem of different meanings in different states regarding bilingual education programs. Contends that the ideal means of bilingual education should be a transitional one.
From the Paper "Bilingual education is a "hot" issue in California, so much so that Pro. 227 in 1998 put the issue of bi-lingual education up to the voters. The so-called Umz Initiative against bi-lingual education passed by a margin of 61% to 39%. However, there continue to be those who believe it is necessary, at least temporarily, to bring foreign-born students up to speed, while the opponents claim that English should be the national language, and until children are proficient in English, their ability to drop back to speaking another language hinders the overall learning process. These people are not against education for all, but insist that the education be in English. This would then mean some sort of remedial schools or classrooms where foreign-language..."
