This paper is a persuasive essay based on the Williams class action lawsuit, which affirms the requirement of the State of California's obligation to provide an adequate educational process for all its citizens.
Abstract This paper explains that California's schools and school districts, in areas with middle to affluent social demographics, consistently meet the expectation that each of its students receives a superior education in preparation for a high quality of life; but California's schools in poor areas do not meet this expectation. The author stresses that to meet the criteria for an adequate education as defined by the Williams case settlement, the educational finance system immediately must be completely overhauled, which will requires that education is made the number-one priority for the State of California. The paper proposes that the governor should recommend one simple funding mechanism, which would distribute funding based on a weighted student formula, including a base allocation equalizing the funding each district receives with additionally weighted funds for students with additional needs, such as special education, poverty, and English as a second language.
From the Paper "The Williams? Class action lawsuit has become a successful demonstration that points out the blearing differences between an education received by our states rich and poor children when it comes to a K through 12th grade education. The California State Legislature has confirmed that there is a significant funding disparity amongst K through 12th grade school districts that need to be researched and eventually addressed. The fact of the matter is that the school aged children of California in grades K through 12 that are less economically privileged have been required to receive their education in sub par or shoddy overcrowded schools. At the same time, these students have been forced to contend with the additional disadvantages and burdens caused by textbook shortages and having teachers who are very often unqualified."
Abstract This paper examines the causes of inadequate care with regard to patients with mental illnesses, irrespective of the type of mental illness the patient has. Some of the causes cited and discussed by the paper include: (1) a lack of adequate healthcare coverage, (2) lack of access to sufficient and qualified healthcare professionals/providers and (3) social stigma that might prevent patients from seeking out care when needed.
Introduction
Barriers to Effective Care for Mentally Ill Patients
Conclusions
From the Paper "Mentally ill patients have historically faced many obstacles when seeking out health care. For those that do have health insurance, many policies limit coverage. In some instances for example, patients are limited to 90 day in patient stays, even in the event that they are diagnosed with symptoms that indicate they may pose a danger to themselves or others (SAMHSA, 1999). The Surgeon General recently discussed the issue of parity with regard to mental health care. Specifically parity deals with the notion that mental health treatment should be financed in the same manner that general heath care services are (SAMHSA, 1999). "
This well-researched paper focuses on the rights of non-English speaking students to receive a fair and adequate education as well as the 14th amendment which guarantees equal protection under the law with regard to race or national origin.
Abstract This in-depth paper examines the xenophobic feeling prevalent in U.S. society which is exemplified by the laws of several states that display a hostile attitude toward foreigners and foreign languages. The writer of this paper discusses the lack of adequate English instruction in the school system which prevents non-English speaking students from receiving a proper education. This paper focuses on language rights in the U.S., which is a component of other rights as stated in the 14th amendment, that guarantees equal protection under law with regard to race or national origin. This informative paper cites numerous legal cases including the landmark bilingual education class action case of Lau vs. Nichols brought by non-English Chinese speaking students against the San Francisco Unified School District. This paper also explores the effectiveness of the Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 that requires affirmative action by a school district in overcoming language barriers that impede a student's equal participation in the educational process.
From the Paper "Although not related to a foreign language, the case Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Children v. Ann Arbor School District (1979) speaks to a lawsuit 11 black children brought against the AASD school board regarding an English dialect. According to the court, the plaintiffs assert that the children speak a version of "black English," otherwise known as Ebonics, as their community and home language, which impedes their equal participation in the educational process, and the school has not taken appropriate action to overcome the barrier. The District Court indicates that this case is an effort to require the school district to take appropriate action to teach the black children to read in standard English. Witnesses before the court testified that Ebonics is a language system that differs significantly from standard English and has been used at some time by 80 percent of the black people of this country. This dialect is especially prevalent in areas where there are concentrations of black people, and it contains aspects of Southern dialect that is used largely by black people in their casual conversation and informal talk."
A discussion of the lack of adequate facilities and technology for disabled university students at the University of California of Irvine and a proposed solution to this problem.
Abstract This paper addresses the failure of the Disability Services Center (DSC)of the University of California of Irvine to provide adequate testing facilities and space, the Center's poor utilization of technology for internal systems, and an internal and external misunderstanding of the necessity for their services and why those services are critical to the student with a disability. The paper suggests that the University needs to invest in technology to research and justify expansion of DSC space, testing facilities for reasonable testing accommodations, and advanced training in web technology. The paper also advocates the need to make the students, administrative staff, and the general public more aware of the needs of disabled students. Finally, the paper suggests transitioning to a more web-based system, which would simplify the systems at the DSC.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary & Introduction
Literature Review
Problem Description
Research Study Setting: The Disability Services Center
Methods
Results: Hypothesis
Data Analysis
Discussion
Design Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is very apparent from the research that the DSC needs to address the cumbersome paper system. A web based questionnaire, or e-mail survey (not PDF form) one that could be filled in by the professor, and then returned and put into a database, would help eliminate much cumbersome repetitive filling out of forms by both students and professors. It would also create expectancy. If professors have discussed the reasonable accommodations with students, faculty will expect the required forms to come by one particular communication vehicle. If everything is sent out via e-mail, both the professor and DSC staff will expect it. As the professor indicated, the web might be a better way to address the issue, with professors and students signing on to complete necessary paperwork. This eliminates looking through a lot of junk mail or junk e-mail. This web based system would also allow the student to check back and make sure the faculty member had signed off or did the necessary work to make the reasonable testing accommodation occur. This creation of this type of system could take a lot of paperwork off the DSC."
Tags: equal opportunity, disabled access handicapped testing test-taking exams, American With Disabilities Act
A review and analysis of the arguments of Lorenne Clark in her article, "Sexual Equality and the Problem of an Adequate Moral Theory: The Poverty of Liberalism."
Abstract This paper critically analyzes the article, "Sexual Equality and the Problem of an Adequate Moral Theory: The Poverty of Liberalism," written by Lorenne Clark. The paper evaluates the strength of Clark's arguments that pornography should be banned and that it is beyond the ability of liberalism in its current form to grasp this truth.
From the Paper "Again, it is impossible to substantiate premise 1, one way or the other. Merely on this basis, the argument would fail. However, even if we were to accept both premises, it is argued that the entire argument should still fail. This is because the conclusion does not follow. There are many things that sustain the current unequal system, but we cannot simply ban all of them. This would entail, for example, banning the nuclear family, marriage, most major corporations, Hollywood, etc. It is true that we need to challenge inequities in the system, but we cannot achieve this by banning everything we think contributes to it. A more effective way needs to be found. Presumably, if Clark is right and pornography functions to sustain the system, then once the system is changed, pornography will simply go away."
Abstract This paper discusses the No Child Left Behind Act and the adequate yearly progress (AYP) objectives that the Act requires each state to develop. It describes and defines AYP and the number of students that are required in order to form a subgroup that is statistically valid. Specifically, the paper analyzes the benefits and limitations of the AYP requirements.
From the Paper "Further, these schools have to be able to provide both support and maintenance for the technology that they have. Many of these more rural schools are not able to afford to employ an on-site coordinator to provide the support that is needed for the technology (Reeves, 2003). Once again, the most significant obstacle that is facing the rural school districts is the lack of access to the resources that they need. Under the current funding formulas that are used, there are many rural districts that do not have the access to financial resources that they need in order to be able to take advantage of the latest and greatest in technology (Reeves, 2003). Programs like the one that is offered in Missouri are one step closer to helping many rural schools to address the problems that are often associated with being both small, rural, and dealing with The No Child Left Behind Act."
This paper provides a discussion of whether the current framework for professional responsibility in the trade marks and patent attorneys' profession in Australia is adequate.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that it is generally accepted that the primary purpose of disciplinary proceedings regarding the conduct of professionals is not so much to punish the professional, as it is to protect the public. The writer points out that it is the intention of such proceedings to remove a perceived threat to public interest and public confidence in the profession. The basis for this rationale is the assumption that the public needs to be protected from the unscrupulous, and those incompetent and ignorant of the basic requirements of their profession. The writer looks at the current system in Australia and maintains that the present framework serves the basic needs of all stakeholders in an adequate manner, but that a better framework could be established, which more fairly caters to the needs of the other stakeholders. The writer concludes that even if the present framework is not substantially altered, improvements, such as allowing any third party to submit complaints, would help to improve the efficiency in which compliance by attorneys is monitored.
From the Paper "The enforceability of the Institute's Code of Ethics is based on contractual obligations rather than legislatively conferred power, and a breach of the Institute's Code of Ethics may result in revocation of membership. Compliance with the Institute's Code of Ethics is monitored by way of complaints being submitted.
"The framework provided by the Institute's Code of Ethics appears, however, to add little to the framework already in existence as provided by the Board and the Tribunal. The enforceability of the Code of Ethics, the efficiency in which compliance with the Code of Ethics is monitored, and the sanctions imposable upon a breach of the Code of Ethics appear no more effective than those already provided by the Code of Conduct prescribed by the Regulations and the Board."
Abstract This paper explains that, although iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) has declined in children since the 1970s, due largely to an increased consumption of iron by children during infancy, iron deficiency anemia still is one of the most commonly recognized forms of nutritional deficiency among children, particularly in the 6-month to 24-month age group, in affluent and developing countries. The author points out that the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in children less than two years of age is contingent on adequate dietary intake and supplementation, either in the form of drops or fortified formulas and food. The paper states that early detection and prevention is the most important preventive technique. Adequate screening mechanisms must be used, however, because supplementation does not always correct deficiencies after they arise. Tables.
Table of Contents
Literature Review
Introduction: Prevention of IDA in 6 to 24 Month Old Infants
Preliminary Background
Supplementation and More
Cooking with Iron
Adequate Screening as a Prevention Method
Early Detection
Summary of Traditional Prevention Mechanisms
Educational Strategies and Newer Trends
Conclusions
From the Paper "Improved growth and weight gain are also attributed to infants receiving iron supplementation for a period of at minimum 3-6 months. All of these trials do promote the notion that adequate dietary intake from the outset, and oral supplementation of iron in at risk populations, including incidences where the potential for malnourishment is high, will effectively prevent complications associated with iron deficiency anemia in emergencies."
Abstract This paper looks at the problems in the youth criminal justice system. It discusses the lack of representation in court, lack of adequate facilities, lack of adequate programs in facilities (particularly education and special education), lack of adequate staffing, and sentencing juveniles as adults.
From the Paper "The purpose was that youthful offenders could be rehabilitated before they became lifelong criminals. Today there are still separate justice systems for adults and juveniles in state and federal systems but the juvenile system is not equipped for the shift to increasingly violent crime among juveniles. Recently a Michigan case involved a juvenile convicted of second-degree murder he committed when ..."
Abstract The paper examines the relationship of teacher preparedness, teacher beliefs (i.e., philosophy, instructional approaches and curricula) and the availability of remedial reading services on adequate yearly progress (AYP) in reading in New Hampshire public schools. It discusses the history of the No Child Left Behind Act and the definition of 'highly qualified' when it comes to teaching. It then examines the concept of adequate yearly progress and the issue of third-grade readers and phonetic ability.
Table of Contents:
Review of Related Literature
Introduction
Highly-Qualified Teachers
No Child Left Behind and Adequate Yearly Progress
Teacher Retention
Language Literacy
The Importance of Learning to Read
Reading Assessment
Remedial Education and Cooperative Learning
From the Paper "The first way is to ensure that each group member is responsible not for everything that the group does but for a specific and unique part of the group task (Courtney, Courtney, & Nicholson, 1994). The second way is for students to be completely and individually responsible for their own learning (Courtney, Courtney, & Nicholson, 1994). When either one of these things are done, it ensures that each student does an adequate amount of work because he or she must perform a specific task in order to be graded fairly (Courtney, Courtney, & Nicholson, 1994)."
"Students who do not perform this specific task will bring down the grade of the entire group but it is quite likely that the group itself will work with this individual and not allow one person to pull down the grade of others who are working hard to ensure that they learn all that they can and that their grades reflect this new learning (Courtney, Courtney, & Nicholson, 1994). One study that looked at group grades within the higher education spectrum indicated that there were many reasons that these students felt cooperative learning was a good idea (Courtney, Courtney, & Nicholson, 1994)."
Abstract Ethnic diversity and growing inequality in California have an influence on students' achievement in the public schools. Students from low-income and non-White families are enrolled in poor schools endowed with fewer educational resources and untrained teachers. They do not receive adequate support at school or home to keep pace with the students from high-income families. The standardized test has worsened the situation since it has not considered the fact that students from low-income families were left with sub-standard education for years and are not adequately prepared to obtain the same score as the students from high-income families.
Abstract This paper discusses the minimum wage and, in particular, why it does not work in America today. It looks at how the federal minimum wage was created to ensure American workers received adequate and fair wages during the Great Depression, when jobs were scarce and wages were abysmally low and how, today, the federal minimum wage stirs controversy and ire in many areas of American politics and business. It evaluates how the federal minimum wage has served its usefulness and how many believe there are now better ways to ensure workers receive adequate wages.
From the Paper "Along with job loss, raising the minimum wage can also have severe affects in many other areas of the American economy. A rising minimum wage can make it more difficult for people to return to the workforce from welfare, and it can encourage high-school students to drop out, as many studies have shown, including this one: "Minimum wage jobs are often thought of as 'entry-level' jobs. The evidence in our data supports this view. Among the workers earning the minimum wage in the second year of our panels, 39.4% were not employed in the prior year" (Even & Macpherson, 2003, 676). This seems to support the theory that many high school and college-aged young people are leaving school for jobs."
Abstract Developing an adequate system for long-term care in the United States poses a serious problem. Chronic disability in the elderly comes from many sources: Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke, to name but a few. The paper shows that concerns about anticipated demographic changes escalate the financing problem. Today's Medicare and Medicaid solutions are not adequately equipped to face the future challenges of America's long-term care system. The paper shows that, as the Baby-boomer generation comes of age, the social and financial impacts on the United States' struggling economy could be devastating. The paper includes tables.
From the Paper "We as a nation should step back and see the big picture regarding the current and future long-term care needs of our nation. At approximately eighteen percent of our Gross Domestic Product, the amount of capital that is delegated to health care is enormous. A very legitimate solution or way to go to resolve the escalating problem is to go to a single payer national health insurance program. It would basically resolve virtually all of the major problems facing our health care system today. The single payer insurance is commonly defined as ?a single government fund within each state, which pays hospitals, physicians and other health care providers.? This system would completely replace the current multi-payer system of private insurance companies and health plans and would provide full insurance coverage for the other millions of uninsured Americans."
This paper is a business plan for EMSDS, Emergency Medical Daycare Services, a part-time daycare program that meets the challenging scheduling needs of firefighters and EMS professionals with similar scheduling limitations.
Abstract This paper explains that the firefighter daycare center will provide a staff of qualified professionals, all of whom are certified with Early Childhood Education (ECE) diplomas, and, above all else, flexible and affordable. The author points out that the daycare will aspire to attract clientele, gain corporate and community sponsorship in an effort to reduce costs, and provide adequate services and seek out volunteers to help manage operating costs. The paper concludes that, in the event that EMSDS does not find adequate resources with which to conduct business in its first year, it will postpone arrangements to open approximately one year later. Charts.
From the Paper "The daycare industry is growing. The childcare services industry is one of the most rapidly growing markets, expanding in part due to accommodate the increasingly high demand for quality services. In 1999 the market for childcare services topped out at more than $3.5 billion. The market is expected to surpass $60 billion in revenues in the upcoming years, in part due to the fact that both parents typically are now working in the labor force. "Child care expenses by households rose 15.7% between 1986 and 1999 alone". "Formal daycare service providers in 1999 earned revenues of approximately $1.8 billion, with expenses toping out at approximately $1.7 billion, leaving more than $96 million in profits for daycare providers". The profit margin is approximately 5.3%."
This paper discusses that the fire department, the most important trauma-fighting service in the United States, has problems, which could be resolved by improving supervisory efforts.
Abstract This paper explains that the fire professionals have the highest stress factors in the United States, not only from the requirements of the job, but also deaths, accidents, racism, and sexism; therefore, adequate supervision is essential. The author points out that a lack of adequate supervision has made racism a problem in the fire department because, in many cases, supervisors simply do not know how to handle this problem and choose to ignore it; in other cases, supervisors are unaware that the problem even exists. The paper relates that women have been having difficulty being recognized as equals in the fire department because of issues such as physical strength, but many of the difficulties experienced by women in terms of equality in the fire department can be ascribed to a lack of unbiased supervision.
Table of Contents
Death in the Fire Department
Racism
Women in the Firefighting Profession
From the Paper "Interestingly, heart attacks are the leading culprit in firefighter deaths, numbering 44%. The second leading cause of death is head trauma and internal injuries at 27%, while death directly related to fire (by asphyxia or from burns) accounts for the least amount of deaths, at 20%. These statistics are also related to age, with younger men more likely to die from injuries than heart attacks. Motor vehicle accidents also cause a substantial amount of firefighter deaths, numbering between 20 and 25%. It was found that only 21% of firefighters involved in these crashes wore their seatbelts. The USFA has also found that firefighter fatalities per 100,000 incidents have increased over the last twenty years. This factor is what inspired the study in the first place."
