Abstract This paper explains that the officially named Elementary and Secondary Education Act, called the "No Child Left Behind Act", was signed into law by President Bush in 2002 and sought to improve education by making states accountable for the performance of their students on standardized tests. The author contends that a Marxist analysis of the premises behind and the application of the "No Child Left Behind" Act shows that the law addresses the problem of the achievement gap from the wrong perspective; the underperformance of disadvantaged children is blamed largely on the failure of the educators, ignoring the many sociological factors of inequalities, which are built into the American educational system. The paper relates that racism interferes with the cognitive development of young disadvantaged students early in the education process; the law does nothing to help economically disadvantaged minority schools become equal with more affluent school districts.
Table of Contents
Karl Marx and Social Inequality
No Child Left Behind Act
Overview of the Law
The Achievement Gap
Addressing the Achievement Gap
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the key features of the "No Child Left Behind" Act was to ensure that all students must show proficiency in math and reading by the 2013-2014 school year. Schools must show a yearly progress report towards this goal. This holds true especially for English language students and special education students. School districts that continuously fail to post improvements will face sanctions. Principals and teachers in such "underperforming" schools could be suspended, removed or replaced. The "No Child Left Behind" Act also makes provisions allowing state to take over underperforming schools. Additionally, federal funding could be withheld for underperforming schools."
Abstract This paper describes how John Dewey's life and work in philosophy contributed to the field of education. The paper begins with a look at Dewey's early years and college-age years and what influenced him during these years and then goes on to discuss Dewey's views on social philosophy, psychology, logic, and ethics. The paper concludes with a discussion of his philosophy of education.
From the Paper "John Dewey was born on October 20, 1859, the third of four sons born to Archibald Sprague Dewey and Lucina Artemesia Rich of Burlington, Vermont (Field, 2001). Dewey's childhood years in Vermont played a role in shaping his later thought and theories. For, the Vermonters of those days were educated as much by industrial and agricultural activities, as they were by the local school. This led Dewey to realize that the most important parts of his education, until he entered college, were obtained outside the school-room. Dewey then used this realization to focus, both in theory and practice, on occupational activities as the most effective approach to genuine learning and personal intellectual discipline (Dewey, Harris, & Mccluskey, 1958, p. 178)."
Abstract This paper explains that the attention and memory processes are both complex and little understood and that these processes undergo different stages of development in the early years. The paper also highlights the importance of the teacher's role in the development of the memory and attention processes in young children and describes methods teachers can use to foster this development in their students.
From the Paper "Attention and memory are two primary psychological processes that have been studied extensively. Presently, they still exist as only theories about how attention and memory operate, what structures are involved, and especially how the complicated processes actually work. In many ways, it reminds us that our present knowledge about how the brain operates is still a bit of a mystery. All children go through the same stages of human development, albeit in their own unique way. It is up to us as educators to be in tune with those stages to best assist them in their growth."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of higher education to the nursing profession. The paper explores the history of nursing, which reveals how the nursing practice has struggled to establish a professional status. The paper presents and discusses Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, and various nursing associations, explaining that, thanks to them, nurses can practice nursing with pride, dignity, and professionalism. The paper contends that each individual nurse has the responsibility to model nursing with professionalism and to continually challenge him/herself to become better educated.
From the Paper "The National League for Nursing has had a big societal force in regards to the importance of higher education for nurses. Grounded in the literature and the heritage of the organization, the position statement describes the need to apply more current curriculum building processes, apply educational theories and experiential learning strategies to nursing curricula, and require nurse educators to think in new ways, ways that challenge everything present and absent in current approaches to nursing education and that explore new possibilities for preparing future generations of nurses (National League for Nursing [NLN], 2003)."
Abstract This report considers both the pro and con positions regarding the school voucher system, while taking into account that both positions are multifaceted, and both make several points in their favor. The paper also discusses religious and secular responses to a school voucher system and looks at the legal, financial, and ethical aspects of such a system.
From the Paper "In terms of social analysis, school vouchers is the issue being determined. The history of this issue is fairly recent in terms of its actual implementation, so there is not a lot of substantial data reflecting either the success or the failure of school vouchers, which makes it a controversial issue because both sides can claim this lack of statistical
data as the fault of the other side. School vouchers affect school systems and districts across the country. "School voucher systems have been proposed in several states and cities across the nation and is part of a larger movement toward school choice. The choice movement advocates abolishing strict school district lines, allowing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the area, creating so-called "magnet" schools with special programs to attract bright students and similar "charter" schools with more autonomy than a traditional public school. School vouchers, therefore, extend the choice concept
(Woodward, 2000). The implications for society therefore involve the amount of choice available in the society. The power on this issue is held by school districts as well as political interest."
Abstract The author presents a comprehensive analysis of Aristotle's theory on education, as contained in his "Politics." The author argues that a full reading of Aristotle's "Politics" indicates that, while he perceived of the polis as a natural creation, he maintained that the formulation of the best possible polis required human effort and the diligence of the city's administrators. It shows that Aristotle believes that special attention should be focused upon the education of citizens, inasmuch as it was through education that the city could produce the organisms, so to say, that would keep it healthy and functioning as it should.
From the Paper "Education is the cornerstone of any political system, inasmuch as it helps maintain that system by orienting citizens towards its acceptance and support. That is the crux of Aristotle's argument on education, as presented throughout Politics but as especially focused upon in the eighth book. It is also the cornerstone of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, whose continued hold on power ultimately depends on the continued production of submissive and meek citizens. It is within the context of this understanding and the relationship between Aristotle's views on education and the practices of totalitarian/authoritarian governments that one finds the claim of Aristotle's being a supporter of liberal democracies quite hard to accept. However, this is precisely the claim that Robert Bartlett forwards in "Aristotle's Science of the Best Regime" (152). Nevertheless, a full reading of Aristotle's Politics indicates that while he perceived of the polis as a natural creation, he maintained that the formulation of the best possible polis required human effort and the diligence of the city's administrators, with special attention focused upon the education of citizens inasmuch as it was through education that the city could produce the organisms, so to say, that would keep it healthy and functioning as it should."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the history and current role of charter schools in America's public education system. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of the charter school compared to a traditional public school and also examines the history and future of charter schools in America.
From the Paper "Much like traditional public schools, charter schools receive funding based on their student enrollment. As long as a charter school fulfills the terms of their contract their charter will not be revoked (Good & Braden, 2000). Charters are infrequently revoked because of poor student performance. Only four percent of granted charters have been revoked nationally and that termination usually stems from poor financial management. Similar to traditional public schools, charter schools have to submit a yearly report of finances, and indices of progress toward educational goals and parental and student satisfaction (Fusarelli, 2002)."
Abstract There exist specific techniques that can be used in the classroom to develop attention and memory. This paper shows how valuable information and concepts can be memorized by students using a variety of techniques, such as music, repetitiveness, and visual aids. This paper also shows that there are several techniques a teacher can use to motivate students to capture their attention. These include working from students' strengths and interests, making the students active participants in learning, and varying teaching methods.
From the Paper "An additional technique that teachers may utilize to promote memorization is repetitiveness. Many of us may recall the use of flash cards in school when we were younger. The teacher would show us a card with a sight word on it, and then show it again, and yet again. At such a ripe age it was quite possible that we were not able to comprehend the importance of this repetitiveness; however with enough practice we were able to commit those sight words to memory. "Early introduction of Dolch Sight Words, preferably in kindergarten during the regular academic year, with systematic daily practice and reinforcement provided throughout kindergarten and first grade, will lead to early reading success and preclude much of the need for remediation in later grades," (picturemereading.com)."
Abstract This paper aims to demonstrate exactly how teachers can become effective at classroom management and what skills are necessary for them to be effective at managing the classroom. To accomplish this, it examines classroom management from an open-minded perspective. The study also incorporates an exploratory approach with regard to examining how effective management skills can be adopted.
Outline
Abstract
Synopsis
Chapter 1
Introduction
Problem Statement
Importance of Study
Background to Study
Chapter 2
Literature Review
Classroom Management Defined
Why is Classroom Management Important?
Classroom Management in Action
Developing Classroom Skills
Factors Contributing to Teacher Strategies
Teaching and Classroom Management Models
Summary of Literature
Proposed Strategies for Success
Chapter 3
Methodology
Theory Building Process
Data Collection and Sample
Population Sample
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Ethics
Implications
References
From the Paper "The need for better instruction regarding how to effectively manage a classroom is evidenced in a majority of the literature available (Biggs, Hinson & Long, 1999; Placek & Dodds, 1988; Dembo & Gibson, 1985). Whether an education major or an experienced teacher, individuals are still attempting to identify the factors they believe to influence classroom management. Many are still struggling to define a successfully managed classroom, while others are working to identify factors that contribute to successful classroom management (Biggs, Hinson & Long, 1999). Surveys of teacher's beliefs about classroom management suggest that numerous factors may play into classroom management and the ability of teachers to manage classrooms effectively."
Abstract This paper examines how youth crime is increasing and how, although violent crime by juveniles is decreasing; younger juveniles account for a substantial proportion juvenile arrests and the juvenile court caseload. It looks at the history and the organization within the youth gang and the different developmental pathways to delinquency. It also discusses some of the laws effecting juvenile delinquents.
From the Paper "It seems that as the years go by, we hear about so many crimes committed by youths. One memorable crime that comes to mind is the shooting at Columbine High School that happened on April 20, 1999 in Littleton, Colorado. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris were associated with a group called the "trenchcoat" mafia. This group is made out of students that are an outcast from the school. When the shooting occurred, it was targeted to athletics. The athletics were popular and had great social influence at the school, which was one of the main reasons that the "trenchcoat" mafia hated. This is an example of youth gang and a horrific crime that they committed. 14 students and 1 teacher died from the shooting. It was clear that when Dylan and Eric planned for the shooting, they were going to kill all the athletics."
Abstract This paper discusses the fact that there are many theories on the topic of teaching as art or science. The paper examines and supports certain theories through describing the educator's role in teaching as an art or science, the interpretation of pedagogy and andragogy and the learning styles of students.
Outline
Introduction
Teaching as an Art or Science
Pedagogy vs. Andragogy
The Instructional or Learning Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "The concept of understanding any subject usually begins with objective or subjective information. Consequently the topic of the art and science of teaching is a combination of the two. Aside from theories art has many diverse definitions that include "a system of principles and methods employed in performance of a set of activities" and "a trade or craft that applies such a system of principles and methods" (internet source, 2005). Furthermore, Science is primarily defined as "methodological activity, discipline or study" as well as "knowledge, especially that gained through experience" (internet source, 2005). How do these definitions relate to the efforts of educational instruction?"
This paper discusses the theories of Lev Vygotsky, Albert Bandura and B.F. Skinner to evaluate the potential link between learning disabilities and juvenile delinquency.
Abstract This paper explains that children with learning disabilities can easily become alienated from their families, schools and legal authorities. Alienated disabled children are more likely to associate with other alienated children, encouraging each other to commit acts of hostility and delinquency. The author points out that the social learning theory, which states that aggression is not inherited but rather learned through a process called behavior modeling, is the behavior theory most relevant to criminology. The paper concludes that there is no conclusive relationship between learning disabilities and delinquency; however, more research is needed to show that early signs of violence in children can be linked to their environment and a violence-prone history of hyperactive behavior.
Table of Contents
Learning Disability and Juvenile Delinquency
Specific Disabilities
Identifiable Traits
Vygotsky's Social Interaction
Zone of Proximal Development
Self-Regulation
Bandura's Observational Learning
B. F. Skinner's Approach To Learning
The Black Box Metaphor
Reinforcement and Repetition
Conclusion
From the Paper "Finally, using Skinner's Methods, a student needs opportunities available from his parents and teachers that will give him something to do, something to learn and feel the self-confidence, as he interact with various peers. The student in a conducive environment, receiving encouragement and attention, will take on this learning responsibility and find areas of interest that will mold him for life (Skinner 1969). Students with learning disabilities have more difficulty than others in grasping concepts and communicating information in class. To be effective and ensure learning is taking place, teachers should modify their instruction to meet the various learning styles and abilities of each student with learning disabilities."
Tags: behavior-modification, interaction, learned, behavior-modeling, research
Abstract This paper describes the objectives, assignments, materials and handouts of five different lesson plans designed for the third grade level. The lesson plans focus on language skills and include a lesson plan for ESL students.
From the Paper "The goals of this lesson are to give a student-centered approach that focuses on the language skill of speaking and using grammar on the level of verbal interchange and conversation. The third grade student will therefore be able to practice verbal literacy in a structured environment around a lesson plan that concentrates on the free exchange of ideas between individuals. The content topic incorporated into the lesson is one of speaking rather than listening because routine oral skills are the focus of the lesson in terms of practice and maintenance. Additional goals include the need to, "Determine student "level" and "needs"(e.g.,Ferris & Tagg (1996) found the most important
academic language need was authentic practice in classroom participation). Determine related functional uses of language (e.g., identify specific purposes such as planning business meetings, and their related speech acts such as greetings, apologies)" (Lazarton, 2001). This can be done with groups of students or by the teacher in any classroom situation including tutoring or one on one lessons. The lesson generally has objectives or goals of increasing fluency and proficiency in English language verbal skills through structured conversation. In this way, the student will learn the language as something that is living and useful to them, rather than abstract or the subject of endless repetition
by the teacher."
Abstract Modern teachers have much to reflect on when designing their classroom plan. Our multicultural world has changed the needs of the students and thus changed what goes into classroom planning. This paper shows that all teachers must start with a new look at themselves so that they may make plans for the students and not for themselves. The paper shows that the teachers also need to make adjustments for the various types of students they will be teaching, for every student deserves a chance at success.
Paper Outline:
Abstract
The Awareness' Necessary to Teach in a Multicultural Environment
Self-Knowledge
Other Viewpoints
Discourse
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "There is so much that goes into creating a successful environment in any classroom, much less one that is multicultural. Teachers today have many things to consider for the good of their students and many obstacles to overcome because of political restraints. The best things a teacher can do to get the best environment possible is to first take a look at self-knowledge, analyzing their own identity as well as asking the students to look at who they are; making students aware of the multiple points of view to be learned; and to alter their classroom discourse style so as to allow every student to participate."
Abstract Emotional development in early childhood is highly complex. This paper shows that toddlers are pulling from information, emotions and abilities they learned during infancy to expand their emotional development. They are learning new emotions, learning to socialize in groups, and to develop cognitively and physically all at the same time. The paper explains that as the children enter preschool age, 4 to 5 years of age, they are developing many emotional states such as coming to realize that they have emotions that are their own. They are also learning that other people have emotions of their own as well. The paper shows that all of these developments will happen naturally in children, but parents, caretakers, and teachers are responsible for assisting children to develop to the norm.
Paper Outline:
Abstract
Early Childhood Emotional Development
Development of Emotion
The Emotional State of Others
Masking of Emotion
Action and Emotion
Emotional Communication
The Role of the Adult
References
From the Paper According to Saarni, Mumme, and Campos (1998) the working definition of emotion is that it is closely linked to what a person, in this case a child is trying to do. They state a?"emotion is thus the persona"'s attempt or readiness to establish, maintain, or change the relation between the person and the environment or matters of significance to that person (Saarni et al., 1998 p. 238). Emotions are not random, they are manifested from events or factors as depicted in table 1.1, a recreation of Barrett and Campos as found in Saarni et al. (1998 p. 239). In this paper I will discuss the new emotions to be dealt with in early childhood, the goal of socioemotional competence, emotional conversation, and the parents or caretakers role in the emotional development of a child.
Tags: competence, socioemotional, motivation, interaction, communication
