Abstract This paper explains that Medicaid is the number one payment foundation for most community-based mental health services and the only health plan that finances a complete array of the rehabilitative services needed by people with psychiatric disabilities. The author stresses that low income children and adults have nowhere else to turn for mental health care and must depend tremendously on Medicaid. The paper relates that recent suggestions to change the Medicaid system for treating mental illnesses include plans to reduce the range of services that the states must provide and to reduce the number of recipients by replacing the current entitlement program with one or more blockgrants to the states. The author points out that Medicaid should go through some changes; however, these changes should be based on a serious review of their impact on caring for the mentally ill population.
From the Paper "While states currently deal with major budget losses and concerns about the cost of Medicaid, there are ways to give states financial relief without reducing benefits to Medicaid recipients or extremely cutting the resources on which public mental health and other state agencies now depend. Policies that should be considered include improving coverage under Medicare community mental health services, including prescription medications, outpatient counseling, and case management, so that the federal government picks up costs for the elderly and increasing federal support for state and local mental health programs through increases to the federal community mental health block grant."
Tags: states, blockgrant, uninsured flexibility match
Abstract This paper examines block scheduling as applied to elementary school learning of the language arts curriculum. It describes how block scheduling works. The paper uses the perspective of a principal to implement block scheduling to enhance language arts.
From the Paper "According to Irmsher although we live in a world where far more is known about student learning than ever before, most schools do not apply this knowledge to organizational structures as part of their ..."
Abstract This paper describes the grant-writing process in detail for newcomers to grant-writing. The paper gives sources on the web where grant-writing information and granting agency information can be found and cites the ten important elements for successful grant writing.
From the Paper "There are many reasons why a school teacher may find it necessary in the course of his her career to write a grant: the need for new technology hardware, software networking, staff development programs, enrichment of school programs, replacing worn out or out-dated school equipment supplies for art or drama classes or funding for mounting special events, sports days, open house, school plays etc. All these things take money, which is usually in short supply. There is an art to grant writing and there are tricks to it just..."
Abstract This paper examines the concept of block scheduling in education which is the overall strategy of organizing the day into fewer, but longer, class periods to allow flexibility for instructional activities. Block scheduling is used primarily at middle school and high school levels. It looks at how the expressed goal of block scheduling programs is to improve student academic performance and how some other benefits are increased student and teacher morale, encouragement for the use of innovative teaching methods that address multiple learning styles and an improved atmosphere on campus.
Outline
Introduction
Advantages and Disadvantages of Block Scheduling
Comparative Analysis on Block Scheduling and Traditional Scheduling on Academic Achievement
Block Scheduling Reforms Classroom Teaching Techniques
Effects of Block Scheduling on Academic Achievement
Popularity of the Block Schedule
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another concern about block schedules is that it might be a problem for students who transfer. However, this concern is invalid because the implementation of a block schedule allows students to actually take more courses or up to eight classes per year instead of the six or seven in a traditional plan. While absences might be difficult to make up in a block schedule, some schools have implemented one day of Saturday school each month to give students the opportunity to make up work and class time. Since the traditional schedule has students change class several times a day, discipline problems might arise that might not occur with the block schedule because instructional time is not fragmented as frequently with the transition of changing classes."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that block scheduling is basically a time-based system of classroom management in the current teaching environment, which must be balanced against external factors such as standardized testing and school accountability measures, as well as against factors such as social fragmentation and silencing. The writer examines the block scheduling process in the ways in which it progresses through various steps based on standards that set the bar for student progress and development in schools. The essential steps that are a part of the block scheduling process, from this perspective, are based on the school being either equal to or greater than the national average in producing curricula that are able to meet standards in terms of results. The paper examines this issue generally as well as specifically in terms of certain expectations that are required in the disciplines for students at certain grade levels in high school, which in turn directly affects the classroom management process thorough block scheduling. The writer maintains that the role of the instructional leader is more and more about working with great facility and leadership skills on an effective team, respecting diversity and being able to implement new technologies into the classroom.
Outline:
Introduction
Function and Purpose
Advantages and Disadvantages
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are mixed strengths and weaknesses to block scheduling, just as people learn information in different ways. In terms of advantages, the standards are set in an effective blueprint for action on this type of scheduling, as it is being practiced already in many schools. But this should not be taken to mean that block scheduling and other classroom management methods should be likewise set in stone- different students learn in different ways, and even teaching a class for 45 minutes requires the teacher to reserve a certain degree of adaptability in presenting the material effectively. So one student placed in an 80 minute class may react quite differently than other student who would find it more or less useful than this first student. Students should also be free to apply the material learned in class using effective methods of their own during their own isolated time; effective teaching both sets and follows the standard, and different students learn at different rates according to ability."
Abstract This paper examines the inner feeling of writer's block with reference to Gloria Watkins' writing. It depicts the sensations of writer's block as felt by the writer, and looks at the reasons for it. The paper discusses the use of role playing in healing writer's block.
From the Paper "In an article by Gloria Watkins (using the pseudonym of "bell hooks"), Watkins presented the readers a detailed narrative of what it feels like to have writer's block and the reasons why she keeps on having it whenever she feels the urge to write about somebody or something else, and most especially when she wants to write something about herself, her inner feelings. She gave the readers some possible reasons why this happens, that is, why do writer's block happen during most important times, whenever memory recall of all important events in our lives are needed. "
Abstract This paper explains that Fred Block in his book "Postindustrial Possibilities: A Critique of Economic Discourse" states that today's society has passed the industrial stage and has moved onto a new nameless stage. The author points out that, according to Block, the postindustrial trends are the increasing importance of services and decreased importance in goods, computer-based automation and a less patriarchal society. The paper relates that, in addition to including traditional economists such as Marx, the social economist Karl Paul Polanyi is referenced often in this book. The author underscores that the book includes ideas of Ruth Cowan, who believes that domestic work is not taken into account in the GNP, which makes the output status somewhat inapt. The paper agrees with Block's conclusion that society desires objects of qualitative over quantitative.
From the Paper "The chapter on labor showed that skill has actually increased since the 1970s even though robots and computers have been replacing human labor. People today become extremely knowledgeable on very little - we are all specialized. The capacity to work is a socially produced - it is not instinctive. The argument that economists do not properly analyze contemporary production is based on theoretical, empirical, and alternative views to the efficiency of labor."
Tags: services, computer-based, domestic, qualitative, social
Abstract This paper is a detailed analysis of block scheduling in school curriculum. The essay here provides statistical information and tables illustrating the scheduling structures achieved through block scheduling of curriculum and argues that students may have the opportunity to gain more from their education with this approach.
Abstract This paper examines the reasons for trading blocks in general and the European Union in particular. It considers the membership process in the EU, and evaluates the benefits and costs of Turkey joining the EU. The paper puts forth obstacles that might block Turkey's accession to the EU.
From the Paper "Although international trade is often viewed as a twentieth century phenomenon it has existed for hundreds of years ..."
Tags: trading blocks, european union, euro, Turkey, EU
Abstract The American Civil War had amazing leaders. General Robert E. Lee, for the Confederates, was a gentleman's gentleman, brilliant tactician, and wonderful human being. On the other hand, General Ulysses Grant, the leader of the Union Army, won decisive battle after battle and made the overall outcome of the War possible. The paper shows that General Grant, who rode his popularity in winning the war to the White House, remains to this day, a much maligned figure. It is true that his presidency, while not plumbing the depths of the presidencies of Warren Harding, William Harrison, or Andrew Johnson, did not set any standards for leadership. The paper shows that what remains hidden and often distorted is the fact that Ulysses Grant left behind a spectacular legacy of martial generalship. This work explores Grant's role and personality against the backdrop of the Civil War with his achievements and shortcomings.
From the Paper "Historically however, Grant has been portrayed more as a caricature than his vast accomplishments merit. Revised history is slowly beginning however, to turn the tide in favor of Grant's numerous qualities. One of the biggest faults brought up against him were that of drinking, with the allusions that his drunkenness were somehow related to the injudiciousness that he displayed on the battle field, especially with the soldiers. Statistically, battles that Grant was involved in resulted in the loss of more Union soldiers in very short periods of time. This earned him the unfair moniker of ?Butcher.? It is true that the Union army's casualties at Shiloh were appalling, but so were Confederate losses. (Wakefield, 1999)"
Tags: Emancipation, Proclamation, Appomattox, Court, House, Virginia
Abstract This paper examines how, even without a staff of experienced grant writers, and even in an economy where more investigators are seeking dwindling supplies of grant money, it is possible to be successful in obtaining funding. It provides a step-by-step account of the mechanics required to write a successful grant proposal.
Outline
Grant Proposal Basics
Nature of the Prose
Inserting the Internet into the Process
The Good News
Mistakes to Avoid
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the writing itself, a common problem that eliminates some grants from consideration is a poorly focused and poorly written research plan. Although they have extensive education, the investigators writing up this information for the grant writer, or being interviewed about it by the grant writer, may be unaware that precise language is necessary; otherwise, there might be miscommunication that will eliminate the proposal from consideration. One case in which a grant was not obtained involved a researcher in a medical subject who wrote that "lightly anesthetized animals" would be used in the study. Some reviewers misread the intentions and thought that the animals would be inadequately anesthetized and would therefore suffer mistreatment. That application was rejected on ethical considerations without even being reviewed."
Abstract The paper looks at the steps required to utilize systems thinking to integrate block scheduling into a given school system. It describes the system model of education and allowing members of the system input.
From the Paper "INTEGRATION OF BLOCK SCHEDULING AND SYSTEMS THINKING
Introduction
This paper examines the use of the systems model (sometimes referred to as "systems thinking") as it relates to the integration of block scheduling into an existing school system. The ..."
Abstract This paper examines all aspects of the curriculum-building method of block scheduling. It is written in the first person and provides the writer's personal opinion in the matter. It is addressed to teachers and educators. It concludes that the essential part of education is not what type of scheduling takes place, but rather the quality of the content of the lesson.
From the Paper "The bottom line about any type of scheduling is that it all depends on what is done within the time allotted. All educators have preferences and no one schedule will fit every teacher's philosophy. Likewise, every learner has his or hers preference. The problem is that a school as a whole has to comply with the final schedule decided by the principal. Some schools implement partial block scheduling (lab days) during a couple of days of the week. Maybe these types of hybrid schedules will eventually make there way into the education realm acknowledging the diversity in scheduling. Until then the debate as to which schedule is more effective will continue."
Abstract This grant proposal discusses the benefits of creating a program to prevent drug abuse among youths and and proposes an exact allocation of the grant money. The proposal also shows a timeline on how and when the author's department plans on spending the grant money and includes a detailed summary of all the costs involved in this kind of a program. The paper concludes that the overall benefits of this program will result in a noticeable reduction in drug abuse among the teenage population by disrupting the illicit drug trafficking organizations within the community, denying street dealers a customer base, reducing the number of emergency room admissions related to drug abuse and overdose, and establishing a strong anti-drug abuse program within all the schools within the community.
Outline:
Why and Where
How and When
Table: Cost Summary
From the Paper "Our department is committed to establishing, creating, and encouraging anti-drug programs such as D.A.R.E. in our communities at public and private schools, to home-school teachers and students, and to the general public. Our outreach program will start in the communities' schools; since a larger impact is imprinted in elementary, junior high, and high schools. We are committed to reaching out to children, teens, and the general public through flyers, pamphlets, meetings, seminars, and D.A.R.E. hotlines. Lastly, we are dedicated to inform children and teens of the dangers of drugs, gangs, and violence (encourage community policing); in addition to encouraging teachers, parents, and students to attend the 21st Annual D.A.R.E. International Training Conference in San Antonio, Texas on August 12-14, 2008 at The Alamo. The training conference teaches officials, schools, teachers, parents, and students on how to be leaders of the war on drugs in order to save the people."
Abstract The paper states that after World War ll the two Allied powers that had won the war, the United States and the Soviets, were in disagreement as to how Europe should be reconfigured. The two sides distrusted one another and as a result, the Soviets took control of much of the Eastern half of Europe, while the Americans took possession of much of the Western half. The paper discusses the effects, results and outcome of this "cold war."
From the Paper "Warsaw Pact forces were also employed in the year 1968 as the bitter conclusion to the Prague Spring, a period of increasing liberalization and reform under Alexander Dub ek's government in Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovaks had been growing increasingly bold, even announcing on television that they disagreed with the Warsaw Pact, asserting their willingness to defend their country's sovereignty, should the Soviets attempt a similar invasion as the one that put a bloody end to the Hungarian Revolution twelve years prior. Unfortunately, the Czechoslovaks were not in fact able to defend their sovereignty; the Soviets, including Russian, Polish, Hungarian, and Bulgarian forces, invaded the country on August, 20, 1968. The invasion was justified by the Brezhnev Doctrine: "When forces that are hostile to socialism try to turn the development of some socialist country towards capitalism, it becomes not only a problem of the country concerned, but a common problem and concern of all socialist countries." But it was only the Soviet Union who would have the right define what "capitalism" and "socialism" were to mean - any version of socialism that varied in the least bit from the Soviet model, so the invasion's message rang clear, could expect to suffer the wrath of all aligned countries."
Tags: cold, war, eastern, block, soviet, eastern, europe
