Abstract
This paper focuses on the use of high stakes testing, a practice adopted by many schools and enforced by the No Child Left Behind Act. The paper acknowledges that performing tests, obtaining results, and analyzing these results can help schools make better decisions about curriculum, faculty, and environment, producing more capable learners. However, the paper asks, is high stakes testing the ideal way to achieve these results? The paper proposes that high stakes testing can actually be harmful to students' learning; students subjected to high stakes tests will encounter teachers who teach to the tests instead of imparting other knowledge and developing the students' reasoning and critical thinking skills. The paper adds that students who are tested using high stakes testing, feeling overwhelmed with stress and a fear of failure, will see the test as the end result of schooling, instead of learning or education itself as the prize. Finally, the paper asserts, high stakes testing prevents capable students with learning disabilities from succeeding because they are not provided with the tools to succeed. The paper concludes that while further research must be done in order to determine the academic, psychological, and other effects of high stakes testing, engaging in such testing at this time is dangerous for students and teachers.

Outline:
High Stakes Testing Encourages Teachers To Teach to the Test Instead of Teaching the Skills that Students Need To Learn To Obtain Competency in a Field
High Stakes Testing Encourages Students To View the Test, Rather Than Learning Itself, as the Ultimate Goal of Education
High Stakes Testing Disadvantages Those with Learning Disabilities
References

From the Paper
"Just as teachers who are assessed through the performance of their students on high-stakes tests have a tendency to teach to the test, so to do students tend to view passing the test as the ultimate goal of education. Because high stakes test scores are seen as so important, they produce stress, and cause students to think of them as the primary goal of education. High stakes test scores are beginning to define more and more decisions. Some families even make the decision to move based on test scores because realtors "use school test scores to rate neighborhood quality and this affects property values" (Amrein and Berliner 2002). Thus, high-stakes testing is a very important event to students and their parents. In addition, students know that they will not be able to move ahead a grade or graduate on time if they do not pass these tests. Because of this, high stakes testing is likely to create a great deal of stress. When faced with this stressor, it becomes primary in students lives. Some suggest that students who face high stakes testing also face risks of dropping out, as "fear of failing a graduation test increases the likelihood that low achievers will leave school" (Heubert 2002). Thus, students faced with fear and stress, are overwhelmed, concentrating on the test rather than on the goals of learning. They cannot concentrate on school work, understanding the importance of learning and education, because of stress that forces some to focus only on the test and others to drop out."

Tags:Child, Left, Behind, standardized, education

Abstract
This paper provides a brief description of both sides of the debate over whether an increase in the federal minimum wage is beneficial or detrimental to workers and the economy. The analysis then argues that decades of economic research and proven economic theory demonstrate an increase in the minimum wage does not benefit workers, businesses or the economy because of untintended consequences in the free market.

From the Paper
"The debate over the economic impact of the minimum wage on employees' business and society revolves around certain economic concepts and theories. Chief among these is the debate over whether government intervention is needed in free markets which many believe come to equilibrium only without such interference. The minimum wage debate also incorporates the law of supply and demand. As Bloomberg economist Caroline Baum notes; "The labor market is no different from any other product market. There is a price...""

Tags:government intervention, free markets, equilibrium, unemployment, recession, Great Depression, BLS, FLSA, inflation, business failure

Abstract
The paper discusses how while restructuring the nursing staff may result in what has recently been termed "patient-focused care", this reorganization could change the hierarchy within medical care facilities in such a way that may become detrimental to that facility in the long run. As such, the paper argues that the results seen in California are not definitive enough to encourage the implementation of mandated nursing ratios elsewhere.

From the Paper
"In the fall of 1999, California became the first US state to implement legislation that would ultimately render "unit-based minimum licensed nurse-to-patient ratios in acute care hospitals" (Brooten, 2006, 95). The new regulations effectively expanded state licensing regulations already..."

Tags:mandated, nursing, ratios

Abstract
This paper examines the detrimental effects of legalizing prostitution, and explains why sanctioning and punitive options are much more effective than creating a legal, economic prostitution market. The writer points out how the legalization of prostitution would only serve to promote the sex industry and provide it economic and political power. The writer strongly asserts that one of the most important issues that many advocates of legalized prostitution overlook is the promotion of child prostitution. The writer also believes that human rights and health issues, in addition to the moral conflict that surrounds prostitution, should be the main reasons for not legalizing prostitution.

From the Paper
"Similar to the ethical debate for the legalization of narcotics and marijuana, prostitution invokes moral and social conflicts unlike any other issue. Prostitution is one of the oldest female occupations in the history of the world, and the sale of sex and the female body has always been a hotbed of debate. With the growing influence of the adult entertainment industry, governments are running out of regulatory options. Many government officials are forced to look at the option of legalizing prostitution, in an effort to economize the market and provide legal jobs for women. The argument for legalization stems from the theory of decriminalization, rather than the government intervening with morality on its coattails."

Tags:sex, trafficking, women, child, decriminalization, human, rights, health, issues

Abstract
The paper relates that bisphenol A (BPA), the industrial chemical used to make epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastic used in a wide variety of products in today's market, is generally accepted as safe by many governmental agencies. The paper further discusses recent studies involving human exposure to BPA and shows how these studies have indicated a wide range of possible detrimental effects to humans and fetuses. The paper discusses the response of San Francisco to this issue and shows that the banning of products using BPA is a viable solution.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Literature Review
Community Responses to BPA Findings
Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"By evaluating current research on the effects of BPA on cancer cells, fetuses, and the body, it was hoped such evidence would support the banning of BPA in specific products, and the use of alternative chemical compounds that are less dangerous to human populations. After examining several studies published in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals, it was found that over 100 research studies show clearly a link between BPA exposure and possible detrimental effects on the body, including an increase in breast and prostate cancer growth, abnormalities of the hippocampus, and an increase in neurodegenerative disease. These findings suggest that the banning of BPA and the use of substitute chemicals would avoid possible irreversible effects of BPA exposure."

Tags:plastics, epoxy, resins, toxins, polycarbonate, exposure, San, Francisco

Abstract
This paper explores the debate over the legitimacy of the exclusionary rule, which was created by the courts to protect the Fourth Amendment rights of the accused. The paper explains that many people in the law enforcement community believe that this rule is useless and a hindrance to their jobs, while others believe it helps ensure that they take the time to do their job correctly. The paper analyzes the possible ramifications of abolishing the exclusionary rule, as it sometimes means that valuable evidence is thrown out. The paper concludes that the result of abolishing the exclusionary rule would be law enforcement officers searching under every rock, house, and person in hopes of finding the evidence they seek, and walking all over the citizens' private lives in the process; therefore, the answer to whether the exclusionary rule should be abolished is "no."

From the Paper
"The costs of the exclusionary rule are obvious; some criminals who are probably guilty of their crimes go free because of the exclusionary rule. The benefits of the exclusionary rule are just as obvious. A good officer who gets his or her evidence thrown out because of a bad search will learn from this lesson and work harder to make sure that everything is in order before he or she proceeds to search or execute a warrant, therefore not infringing on the Fourth Amendment rights of criminals."

Tags:criminal, justice, technicality, evidence

Abstract
This paper deals with the harmful effects of crack cocaine on both the body's physical and mental health. Injury to the brain and heart are discussed, as well as a look at mental illnesses caused by the drug. Also addressed is the drug's threat to the stability of today's society.

From the Paper
"In 1996, 3.6 million Americans indulged in the dangers associated with the drug crack cocaine ( Nadelson 31 ). Along with a short-lived "high" users experienced symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to death. According to NIDA's Drug Abuse Warning Network, an average of 2500 Americans per year lose their lives due to this deadly "treat" (The Crack Cocaine Epidemic 14 ). Even more astonishing is the number of adolescent users in the nation. A shocking 7 % of high school students admit to using cocaine, and in Miami, Florida, the average age for a person to start using the drug is 12.6 years old ( The Crack Cocaine Epidemic 17 )! The use of crack cocaine results in detrimental effects on the human body's physical and mental well-being, as well as a serious threat to the stability of today's society."

Tags:behavior, concern, criminal, damage, hallucinations, heart, hyperactivity, stroke, suicide, violence

Abstract
An opinionated paper concerning the negative effect of school uniforms on students? behavior. This paper includes a lot of research and statistics; as well as quotes from students, administrators and government officials concerning the effects of uniforms on the school atmosphere.

From the Paper
"Think of a classroomwhere all of the students have their hands neatly placed in their laps, backs straight, and every eye is on the teacher. This is the picture that some people are trying to paint. But can this picture become a reality? Opposers like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) say, "Dealing with violence by banning certain colors or sneakers is like dealing with car theft by banning cars." Both are very good points, but, as a student, I stand by my rights in believing that making students wear uniforms is wrong. Uniforms are not beneficial to students, schools, or the public."

Tags:argument, code, dress, conduct, discipline

Abstract
"""The Detriment of Soft Journalism, Cyber Activity and Information in a Digital Age"" is a six page paper that discusses the unprecedented behaviors that are redefining our technologically advanced and immersed age. With this comes the debate as to what is truthful, newsworthy and legitimate. "

From the Paper
The Detriment of Soft Journalism, Cyber Activity and Information in a Digital Age Nowadays, living one's life means having near-daily interactions with the Internet. Mona Gallagher has been on the Internet for approximately ten years. In these years, she has had the unfortunate experience of what is called "cyber-stalking," or the ability for someone to anonymously follow another human being based on his or her Internet history. These cyber activities include behavior like googling, using chat devices like AOL instant messenger and frequenting online networking sites. "I talked to him in a chat room and he made advances. I told him I wasn't interested.

Tags:media, culture, internet

Abstract
This paper examines why portfolio evaluation of children to determine their potential for higher education is detrimental. It can reduce the student to just another portfolio, it can handicap students that are not up to the competitiveness of portfolio making, and it can mar the actual strengths and weaknesses of the student through the information it presents.

From the Paper
"Portfolio assessment is a popular non-traditional method of evaluating and preparing children for their future. A portfolio itself can be thought of as a personal scrapbook or a visual window into the progress, activities and records of a student or individual. A portfolio was originally conceived of to showcase and "market" a human being to people or institutions for a variety of reasons be it a job, a degree or otherwise. Portfolios are used in education to build up the conceptual and visual accolades of a student, and are becoming more and more acceptable in terms..."

Tags:education, portfolio, detrimental