Abstract The paper discusses how Ebonics is not a dialect which can be passed off as an inferior form of the Standard English now taught in secondary schools across America. The paper explains that the genetic structure of African Americans presents a new insight into how different language can be, regardless of the native language to influence the cultural aspects of African American identity over many life spans. The paper maintains that there should be a basic tolerance for other cultures over all of these arguments and suggests that the white hegemonic society should tolerate Ebonics to create further integration between different races.
From the Paper "This study will evaluate the importance of Ebonics within America's secondary and post-secondary educational curriculum. By analyzing the cultural integration that African American culture is now being implemented in American schools, one can realize the importance of learning the relationship that the English language has in a historical context. Through history and culture, Ebonics plays a large role in how interracial attitudes and behaviors influence both African American and non African American cultures that constantly inter-mesh within the educational community. In this manner, Ebonics plays a large role in providing interracial language skills, which create more culturally and genetically united policies within American schools. The debate about teaching Ebonics in American secondary and post-secondary schooling is essential to the cultural fabric of education in America."
This paper is a complete research study focusing on the absorption of immigrant pupils from the former Russian Union into Israeli schools. Extensive literature review included.
Abstract This paper explains that the research is designed to examine if Israeli pupils and immigrant pupils perceive the school atmosphere and immigrant integration differently, and if immigrant and Israeli pupils differ in the intensity of their relationship in their grasp of school atmosphere and integration. The research involved 303 junior high school pupils, aged 12-15, in two schools; one school had a majority immigrant pupil population, whereas the other had relatively few immigrants. The author reports that pupils evaluated themselves in terms of their adjustment to school, their attitudes towards immigration, and the degree to which they identify with the State of Israel. The paper reports that the greater the number of immigrants in a school, the greater their sense of power, to the point where they are unwilling to pay the price for friendship with Israelis.
Table of Introduction
Theory and Literature Review
Immigration to Israel
Key Approaches to Immigrant Absorption
Immigrants? Encounter with Israeli Society
Adjustment and Psychological Difficulties in Emigration
Adolescence as a Period of Change and Transition
Culture, Government and Family in the Former Soviet Union and its Impact on Adolescent Adjustment
Adolescent Attitudes towards Emigration
Parent-Adolescent Relations during Emigration
The Education System
Priming for Absorption and the Reality
Organization of Teaching and Integration Activities that Create Difficulties for Immigrants in Israeli Schools Various Coping Mechanisms Adopted by Schools for Immigrant Absorption
Social Integration with Peer Groups in Israel
School Atmosphere
Research
Method
Research Population
Research Tools
Research Hypotheses
Research Process Description
Research and Findings
Interviews with Staff Members
Analysis of How School Copes with Immigrant Absorption based on Four Parameters
Summary ? Diagnosis of Coping Mechanisms
Discussion
Summary
From the Paper "The education system and schools were chosen to bear the brunt of this task of merging the communities because pupils spent so much time there and because of the school's influence in teaching language, the curriculum and teacher activities as well as peer pressure. The merger was formulated and implemented in the education system via the curriculum and teachers via full assimilation, discipline, adoption of the norms, rules of behavior and values held by the majority by the minority in order for the latter to resemble the former."
Abstract This paper looks at the problems that exist in today's middle schools. The paper relates that middle schools need to use strategies that will help the early adolescent adjust from elementary school to the middle schools, as well as teach strategies that will help the students be successful in high school.
Outline:
History of Junior High Schools and Middle Schools Looking at Middle Schools Changes Middle Schools Need to Be Successful
From the Paper "Why were middle schools created? What are the problems in middle schools? Educators must address these important questions. Thomas Dickinson and Deborah Butler state that the basic concept of middle schools is that of "a school for young adolescents that was based on their developmental needs..." (7). Students who enter the sixth grade are more mature than elementary students; however, the reasoning was that they were not ready to enter high school. It is important to consider this concept of middle schools, as well as the problems that exist in today's middle schools, in the effort to find solutions that will make middle schools successful."
Compares the effectiveness of two different programs, D.A.R.E and School Resource Officer, adopted in some public schools to help fight the rise of drug and alcohol abuse on campuses.
4,150 words (approx. 16.6 pages), 15 sources, 2002, $ 151.95
Abstract Schools in the United States are increasingly becoming centers of criminal activities among youth with drug and alcohol use on the rise. Parents, teachers and relevant authorities are concerned about the increasing rate of drug and alcohol use in public schools with substantial increase in violent activities on the school property. To rectify this problem and effectively deal with the issue, Los Angeles Police Department suggested a program in 1983 according to which police and school authorities would work together to curb the rising rate of crime in educational institutions. This resulted in the creation and implementation of Drug Abuse resistance program in schools all over the country. But a decade after its implementation, it was found that while DARE was a popular program; it had failed to produce significant positive results. This made some schools in the country look for alternative programs and in the mid 90s, School Resource Officer program was adopted by some schools in the country.
Abstract This paper looks at charter schools, in general, and charter schools in New Jersey, in particular. The paper looks at the laws governing charter schools and how charter schools compare with regular public schools. Also included is an interview with a charter school administrator and a charter school teacher in New Jersey.
From the Paper "The definition of a charter school is a school established by contract with a district Board of Education or the State Board for Charter that will improve pupil achievement. Charter schools are established to provide a teaching environment that is designed to improve student achievement. They provide an additional academic choice for parents and students and may consist of new schools or be all or part of an existing school. Charter schools are an alternative to traditional public schools but are themselves public schools, although they may not..."
Abstract This paper examines the difference in depression levels among female adolescents attending rural schools versus female adolescents attending urban schools. The paper looks at the rationale for the study; presents a review of related literature; methodology and implications of the study. The focus is on urban versus rural schools.
Abstract This paper discusses home schooling in terms of common regulations regarding curriculum, teaching certification, and grading, and how those regulations can affect the outcome of equal sport participation decisions. Additionally, this paper discusses some of the problems associated with these regulations in terms of allowing home schooled students to participate in public school sports programs, and explores common opinions on both sides of the issue. This paper analyzes the existing school systems which allow home educated students to participate, and expands on how those programs manage complex issues such as eligibility and liability. Finally, this paper expands on strategies developed to allow home schooled student participation, and the effectiveness of these strategies.
From the Paper "It is also important to understand why many parents choose home education over an education provided in a public school setting, since through this understanding, one can begin to understand why some parents still wish for their children to participate in public school sports events. According to a study by Lines (2000), most parents choose home schooling as a means of integrating religious and moral beliefs, or due to dissatisfaction with the public school educational system. For those choose based on religious beliefs, parents cite the unsafe atmosphere of today's school systems. Often, these parents do not want their children involved in situations of drug use, "bad influences", or other destructive behavior that can often be found in young individuals. For those who choose home education based on dissatisfaction, the issues cited are often a lack of trust in the level of education received in public schools, and the evidence of lower test scores for public school students. "
Abstract The paper examines if uniforms have a value in the public school system. The paper questions if they are really of use in preventing school violence, or are they simply a way of keeping our students' individuality in check? This paper studies some of the purported benefits of school uniforms.The paper also examines some of the potential drawbacks to instituting a uniform policy in a school that previously had none. Finally, this paper addresses violence in schools, both with and without school uniform policies.
From the Paper "We have all seen them. Boys dressed in blazers and neatly pressed shorts or trousers. Girls dressed in plaid jumpers or pleated skirts with white blouses. Perhaps we have stared at the children who dressed so differently than those of us at public school, wondering if it would not be boring to wear the same thing every day. Perhaps we have been one of those students wearing the uniforms, wondering what it must be like to have to decide on what to wear to school each day. No matter what we think of them, school uniforms have been a fixture in the private school system, apparently there to stay. But do uniforms have a value in the public school system? Are they really of use in preventing school violence? Or are they simply a way of keeping our students' individuality in check?"
Abstract This paper looks at how in the debate of home school versus public school, there are many factors to consider. It contends that the adverse aspects of public school far outweigh the benefits and that the home-schooled child generally tests higher than a public school student in every subject. It also looks at how studies show that most home-schooled individuals exist as exemplary citizens in today's society.
From the Paper "America's school system today is lacking in the core fundamentals that this nation was founded on. On every piece of currency printed in America are the words 'In God We Trust'. Our pledge of allegiance includes the words 'One nation under God'. Isn't it strange then that our children will not be taught anything about God in the American education system? Instead, they will be taught the 'Big Bang' theory or evolution and yes, while everything does evolve, it had to start somewhere. Not everyone in America believes in God, or evolution, or the Big Bang, but a child should be brought up knowing enough about all of the possibilities to make their own informed decision."
Abstract This paper discusses the amalgamation of factors that contribute to violent incidents among school children. The paper also discusses the role that insecurity and fear play in promoting violence, as they prompts people to join gangs and other groups of perceived safety. The paper then discusses what schools can do to prevent school violence and focuses primarily on the control of fire arms both at school and in the society. The paper concludes that greater fire arms control together with a proper school syllabus and atmosphere, with the absence of gangs, can play a major role in curbing aggression. Similarly parents must screen the information especially in TV and keep a watch on the children and offer better counsel and support. Community action can alone bring an end to campus violence.
Outline:
Introduction
The Events and the Lessons
Control of Firearms
Gangs
Fear and the Young Mind
Allaying Fears
How Kids Perceive the News
Steps in Schools Conclusion
From the Paper "Some of the tragic occurrences have the common methods or modus operandi. The child or young adult brings a firearm or other weapon and uses that indiscriminately on the fellow students, without any particular cause or targeting anyone in particular. Thus if we examines some of the reported cases that have been highlighted by the media, we will easily be able to find this pattern. On seeing the events from 1999 when the first mass shooting occurred, there were some of the shocking cases of violence at school that invited media attention and national protest included the notorious San Diego killing in 1999 where the accused, a fifteen year old boy killed two fellow students and injured thirteen others which was statistically at par with the earlier incident at Columbine High School in the same year."
Abstract This paper discusses school vouchers and a national voucher program. The author looks specifically at the three best known school voucher or school choice programs: the Boulder Plan, the Milwaukee Plan, and the Cleveland Plan. The paper examines whether school choice programs been a successful public policy, and concludes that these programs are either: a) failing b) not yielding enough information to make a conclusion or c) just plain unconstitutional.
From the Paper "It is clear that school choice and school vouchers have many problems, but these programs are beginning to show promise. The idea of national school choice or school voucher seems to be a disaster waiting to happen, because of the complexities and needs of these programs. The local levels are the places that can adequately implement such a program. The programs of race, privilege gap, transportation, school closures, separation of church and state, and funding need to be address. The research and data has made all of this clear, but has not made many feasible recommendation to began to amend these issues. Most researchers are saying that school choice and school vouchers needs to be forgotten as a failed policy idea, but this is the easy answer to a complex question. How do we adequately education and create opportunities for all of our students? Former Representative Fox is on the right track in looking for ways to amend these programs. Freedom of choice and competition are building blocks of our society. To turn on these beliefs is to serve a grave injustice to our way of life."
Abstract This paper describes ways to implement changes in schools, and which changes specifically need to be made in the school system today. Schools today use the same teaching styles and failings that were in practice decades ago. There are many suggestions for reforms which have been decided on but the trouble does not seem to be with the programs themselves, but rather with their application. This paper details ways to successfully initiate a process of change within the schools such as :actually assuring that one gets about to initiating the change in fact as well as in concept, make new goals for the school based on information regarding the programs success and failures, slow and firm change, and more. It gives a step-by-step detailed guide to deciding what change to make and how to make it.
From the Paper "Between federal, state, and popular mandates, schools have overwhelmingly heard a demand for change. Society is both more technologically advanced, and more sociologically varied than it was 50 or even 20 years ago when most of the programs in use today were being conceived. Many reforms have been talked about, and many schools have been ordered to implement them. Some have even tried. Despite all this, the effects of change are neither widespread nor readily visible. To the contrary, the number of at-risk students "now constitutes thirty percent of the school population" (Hord, 1990). It appears that all the best intentions in the world have left school with much the same teaching styles and failings that were in practice decades ago. The main problem, however, does not seem to be with the programs themselves, but rather with their application:
The regular demise of this multiplicity of programs led to the judgment that the innovations themselves were not effective, because they produced no appreciable student outcomes. In most cases, in fact, the programs were never incorporated into the day to day operations of classrooms and could be found in bookshelves gathering dust (Hord, 1990)."
Abstract This paper presents a research proposal that addresses the question of school choice. School choice could include, but is not limited to, choosing a different public school, choosing to home school, or choosing a private school. The paper uses literature reviews, a study proposal and a general discussion to provide a basis for the belief that such a study is timely and useful. The paper answers several questions including what the impact might be, who would make the choice and how would ability to choose change the allocation of funds structure currently in place.
From the Paper "In most districts across the nation school choice is limited to private or public. Most districts have geographic boundaries and limitations that prevent parents from sending their children to the school of their choice and they were instead relegated to schools within their areas and their districts. Recently there has been a public outcry for public school reform and some are pushing for private school vouchers."
Tags: change, reform, US, public, schools, charter, inner, city, homeschool
Abstract This paper looks at school-to-work (STW) programs, which are designed to meet the needs of a large portion of today's students - those who are work-bound as soon as they graduate high school. It looks at how many of these programs allow students to enroll as apprentices and accumulate hours and experience towards a qualifying certificate in a specific profession while earning credits towards their high school graduation diploma, as well. It supports the opposing viewpoint of school-to-work programs, arguing that education that concentrates on job training results in graduates who are less adaptable and less able to change occupations without retraining. Without training in liberal arts, many high school graduates have difficulty learning new skills and adjusting to new jobs.
From the Paper "According to the U.S. Department of Education (2001), in order to create a national school-to-work system, the departments of labor and education provide start-up grants to states and local communities. In addition, the federal government, states and communities can build on programs such as vocational education, technology preparation, youth apprenticeship, career academics, school-based enterprises, job training programs, and cooperative education to create school-to-work systems and transform learning in high schools."
Abstract This paper addresses P. Dalin's theories on the future of schooling through understanding schools as organizations. A heavy emphasis on developing conditions of change through perceiving the school as an organization is used to demonstrate the need to address differences within the school environment, as well as to promote effective teaching.
Tags: EDUCATION / CURRICULUM THEORY AND ISSUES, school as organization
