Elementary education effectiveness in Mississippi Essay Example for Free

Elementary education effectiveness in Mississippi Essay Mississippi consists of four-hundred and eighty-six thousand people living in poverty; ten percent of children belong to families that are not able to meet their needs (2005). Recent statistics show that those living in poverty are fifty-one percent African American and approximately forty-seven percent Caucasian (2005). Research has shown that the socioeconomic status of students influence the degree of success they will experience. (Donahue Grigg, 2003) Mississippi has varying degrees of reading proficiency among school districts. In the 2003-2004 school year, six districts, consisting of one elementary school, five middle schools and one high school, were identified as â€Å"in need for improvement†, based on the reading and math proficiency of its students. For the purpose of this study, only schools reflecting a lack in reading proficiency will be discussed. The U. S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spelling announced in a November 2005 press release, â€Å"Eighty percent of the fastest-growing jobs require at least some post secondary education. Yet far too many students are leaving high school unprepared for college†. Improved student achievement can provide students better preparation for college, thus closing the achievement gap. Low socioeconomic schools, although improving, are still behind the majority of middle-to-upper class schools in America (Donahue Grigg, 2003). There are several factors to consider when looking at closing the achievement gap found in low socioeconomic schools. One factor is that â€Å"young, low-income and minority children are more likely to start school without having gained important school readiness skills, such as recognizing letters and counting† (2003). As Donahue and Grigg’s report showed, when students start school already behind others, they are likely to continue such patterns if not addressed early on. Existing studies demonstrate the problems researchers are having addressing literacy issues early on in a students academic career. Researches are trying to find appropriate strategies to combat the achievement gap with many variables which will be discussed further in detail, in the following study. Purpose of the Study The following is a detailed investigation into possible explanations of varying degrees of reading achievement found in Mississippi and what can be done to maintain a higher overall proficiency in reading among Mississippi students, while satisfying the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Many schools have chosen to implement a â€Å"school-wide approach† to closing the achievement gap; however, when dealing with schools consisting primarily of low-income students, there are other factors to consider when choosing a strategy. The proposed study will focus on improving reading skills in high-poverty schools found in Mississippi by comparing different techniques widely used and creating a more targeted strategy for low-income students. When deciding on an appropriate strategy for improving reading comprehension there are a few factors one must consider. The following questions will outline the factors to be researched in this study. Research Questions 1. What impact does social economic status have on the achievement gaps found in the State of Mississippi? 2. What are the contributing factors found in Mississippi schools that are demonstrating low reading scores among economically disadvantaged students? 3. Are there high-poverty schools in Mississippi which demonstrate positive improvements in reading scores? What are the strategies used? 4. How does implementing Theory into Practice (TIP) encourage positive student achievement in disadvantaged schools? Hypothesis To affectively close low socioeconomic achievement gaps in reading, strong emphasis on establishing proficient reading ability should be made in elementary school. Nature of the Study The research conducted in this study will be an investigation of existing literature regarding techniques used in improving reading skills, exemplary schools demonstrating such techniques and finally, a suggested strategy to use when applying research to low socioeconomic schools with low reading proficiency found in Mississippi school districts. Significance of the Study The significance of this study is that by identifying factors contributing to the achievement gap found in low socioeconomic school districts, as well as investigating into existing programs that have had a positive influence on reading performance scores in other high-poverty schools is that, school administrators and policy makers will have a better basis in which to improve upon existing programs and interventions that would be more financially attainable than starting new programs. The high cost of starting new programs such as; creating new assessment strategies, providing more staff and researchers as well as other costly planning and implementing variables, often times are not practical for low-economic schools. While children of today are growing up in a world where data are being revealed at an alarming rate and knowledge is simply a click away, reading plays an increasingly crucial role in society (Topping Paul, 1999). The ability to read is not only fundamental for understanding and mastery of every school subject students will encounter, but literacy also plays a critical and crucial role in students social and economic lives (Snow, Bums, Griffin, 1998). As a result, no other factor will have a greater impact on the success of students in Mississippi than their ability to read. With such an emphasis placed on the importance of reading achievement, educational leaders must clearly articulate the expectation that all students can become successful readers, while providing the most effective strategies and opportunities for students to succeed in reading and adopt lifelong reading practices. (Okpala, et al. , 2001) Definitions of Terms Action Team for Partnership- This partnership is also known as a School Improvement Team or a School Council. Although the ATP members oversee the schools partnership program, other teachers, parents, students, administrators, and community members also may lead family and community involvement activities (ATP website). Adequate Yearly Progress- AYP requires that schools hold the same high standards for all their students; regardless of racial or ethnic background, socioeconomic status and English proficiency Core Academic Subjects- These subjects include: English, language arts and reading, arts, civics, government and history, mathematics and science, foreign languages, as well as, economics and geography. Elementary School- a nonprofit institution which includes, public school, day or residential school and elementary charter schools which State law mandated elementary education. Family Literacy Services The services provided to participants on a voluntary basis that foster a positive change in families. These changes include, providing families with interactive activities between parents and child concerning literacy, teaching parents to take an active role in their children’s education, teaching self-sufficiency by providing parental literacy training, and providing education to children which is age-appropriate and prepares them for school and life experiences. Highly Qualified (in reference to public elementary or secondary school teacher) – A highly qualified teacher will possess a State certification for teaching or holds a license to teach in a particular state due to passing the State exam and is employed in a teaching position after meeting all required testing, training and educational requirements satisfactory to the State, district and school regulations. Mentoring- A responsible elder who provides positive leadership and guidance to a child as a positive role model in that child’s life. A mentor mission is to help a child to one day become a responsible adult. Minority- a group of students which do not demonstrate the majority’s characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, ethnic background or other key characteristics. Other Staff- staff found within an institution such as personnel, guidance counselors, and administration and teachers aides. Limitations In her 2005 press release Secretary Spelling said, â€Å"we all hear a lot of stories about why schools are missing Adequate Yearly Progress, but we don’t hear much about how thousands of other schools are making it and closing the achievement gap†. This study is limited by location; its main concentration being primarily on Mississippi schools, programs and outcomes. The primary research method is investigating existing literature, as such; there is substantial literature on the failures of many schools trying to improve student achievement; however there is very little literature depicting success. One other limitation to consider is that this study focuses on reading proficiency; however; to get the most accurate depiction of a schools success is to consider all core academic subjects.

Battling Digital Piracy Essay -- Piracy

In today’s age where Internet can provide fast access to any kind of information and media, copyrighted content faces grave threat of infringement. The distribution and unauthorized copying of such copyrighted content results in digital piracy. Common examples are downloading and uploading movies, music, e-books, software, and other copyrighted content online. Piracy deprives the original creators, scientists and artists of the deserved incentives. Digital Piracy has caused the US Copyright Industry a loss of billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs. To protect the copyright owners’ exclusive rights and encourage original ideas for scientific progress, digital piracy needs to be curbed with appropriate measures. Thus, this paper will discuss the problems caused by digital piracy and suggest measures to reduce digital piracy. With the growing popularity of the Internet, worldwide distribution of content can be done easily at lower price easily avoiding middlemen for distribution purposes. The disadvantage of such easy access is that consumers can access content that they may not be authorized to view for free. Downloading of digital pirated data being just a click away, many internet users are resorting to illegal sites or the peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. The extent of this problem is so much so that 25% of traffic on the Internet today is one resulting from copyright infringement. The progress in digital technology has enabled the production of countless replicas inexpensively and their distribution on Internet without any hassles. Content produced without copy-protection measures, the availability of high-speed internet and cheap storage means available online; all contribute to the rising incidence of piracy. ... ...gal means. Internet was meant to be open in nature, to provide information and services to everyone but was never meant to be a gigantic piracy machine. It was not designed to facilitate access to copyrighted content and encourage sharing of protected content. There is an urgent need to do away with Internet services that encourage digital piracy. Internet Enterprises, Government and consumers should together work towards maintaining integrity of Internet and take active measures to obliterate digital piracy. FCC plays an important role by implementing policy and technical controls to achieve this. Works Cited http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/resources/documents/upload/021611Leahy-RecordSubmissions-Website.pdf http://www.cs.washington.edu/education/courses/csep590a/06au/projects/digital-piracy.pdf http://www.itif.org/files/2009-digital-piracy.pdf

Texting While Driving Satire

I text while driving. I try not to, but I do. And I know what you're thinking. I get it. You think I'm careless. You think I'm reckless. You think I'm dangerous. You say I'm an accident waiting to happen; that I'll probably get killed one day; that I might even kill you. I tell you now, I understand. But I don't care. I have places to be, text messages to send. At times I've been brilliant, multitasking to perfection; typing ‘Brobdingnagian' while making a double lane change in Austin rush-hour traffic.Other times I've swerved, or barely hit the brake in time, only to throw my phone in the backseat and make that same promise to never again send a text message while operating a vehicle. Okay, so I care. But despite caring, I've found that there isn't a scare, short of an accident, that will deter me from texting while driving. Not even the law. And being that I'd rather not die, or kill you, all in the name of an anecdotal text that just as well could have been typed while in pa rk, I've since developed a set of rules.These rules, when followed, have been as fool-proof as directions for walking while chewing a piece of gum (excuse the triteness). I no longer swerve. I'm no longer forced to slam on my brakes. And for the past eight months, my â€Å"Texting While Driving Protocol† has saved both our lives. Rule 1: Predict the Future. Know how the road will unfold as you divert your attention to your phone. As â€Å"10 and 2† drivers, we're already required to predict the actions of and be accountable for all objects in and around our path (i. e cars, pedestrians, cyclists, animals).Compare and Contrast Driving in the Winter and Driving in the SummerWe're regular clairvoyants. And sure, we have laws which aid us in predicting those intended actions of others, but that only further supports my next point: It is not required that our senses be entirely engaged at all times for us to â€Å"trust† while on the road; that to look away from the road for x amount of time, as long as a driver can account for all future events that may unfold within the distance travelled during x, is no less safe than looking both ways before one walks across a street, which also requires a level of anticipation.Rule 2: Reestablish your whereabouts after each written word. This means you must LOOK UP after each word you type, and predict 2-3 more seconds of future before typing your next word. Rule 3: Use shorthand. Yes, shorthand. The same shorthand that has been slowly killing language since man's invention of time and his subsequent inventions to save it. But this lax variation of language will keep you in the 2-3 seconds per word range. And I know, you're a writer with high grammatical standards. You punctuate all of your texts. How dare I suggest you replace â€Å"tonight† with â€Å"2nite†?Just remember: Life > Language. Rule 4: Hold your phone as close to the top of the steering wheel as possible. This will allow for gre ater access to your peripheral vision, and may help you catch any unforetold objects. But not too high! Unless the law is still on your side. Rule 5: Do NOT text while making a turn. Not only is it tougher to sense the position of your vehicle in its designated lane, but you also lose any advantage gained by holding your phone in its peripheral position. With these rules in mind, I guarantee that you will be a better driver.

The Issue Of The Criminal Justice Correctional System

For years and years the government has discussed the issue of the criminal justice correctional system. Major topics include overcrowding, financial strain, and recidivism. Correctional facilities and agencies should recognize the different types of offenders they house and reexamine their living arrangements in order to prevent overpopulation, save money, and most importantly, decrease recidivism. This paper examines how properly managing male, female, pregnant, and elderly inmates can be a solution to a lot of the correctional systems current problems. Also discussed are the reasons why people choose to commit crimes. The general strain theory has been a well-known approach to understanding the cause of crime. Another reason why people commit crimes is because jail is the only life most people know and a majority feel that life is prison is easier than what they would have to deal with on the outside. A closer look at employment in society shows how offenders need more suppo rt on the outside to become a law abiding citizens and stay out of the prison system. Providing inmates with the resources to succeed is not actually increasing their odds of succeeding. PRISON POPULATION Overview At the end of 2013, the United States Department of Justice estimated that there were over 1.5 million people in our nation’s prisons (Carson, 2014). There are several different types of inmates that are included in county, state, and federal correctional facilities. For example,Show MoreRelatedCriminal Justice System And The Correctional Industry1348 Words   |  6 PagesThe criminal justice system is made-up of three major components: the police, the courts, and corrections. The police are responsible for ensuring social peace and tranquility; in addition to finding, capturing, and helping bring lawbreakers to justice through effective investigative practices. The courts provide a platform for sifting through the evidence police gather to discover the facts of a crime; and render a punishment, set forth by the levels of government, for the crime(s). Finally,Read MoreStudy Guide/Outline Chapter 11435 Words   |  6 PagesAfter reading this chapter, students should be a ble to: 1. Define the term corrections, and know how correctional agencies fulfill their mission of protecting society. 2. Identify how corrections can impact the crime rate by understanding the concept of the correctional funnel. 3. Outline the growth of corrections over the past two decades, and describe why the scope of correctional budgets, staffing, and clients makes it important for students to study corrections. 4. Contrast theRead MoreRecidivism in the United States Criminal Justice System Essay1203 Words   |  5 PagesRecidivism in the United States Criminal Justice System An ongoing and increasingly evident issue in the criminal justice system is how convicted individuals reenter society with little or no gradual process. These individuals often resort back to criminal activity in an act termed recidivism. According to the National institute of Justice(NIJ), recidivism â€Å"refers to a person’s relapse into criminal behavior, often after the person receives sanctions or undergoes intervention for a previousRead MoreChallenges Faced By Female And Aboriginal Offenders Essay1420 Words   |  6 Pagesthe overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system also poses several concerns. Female offenders on the other hand have a higher risk of having administrative, and mental health issues. This paper will address both factions and their individual problems and the reform that is needed within the criminal justice system. Aboriginal offenders have a diverse set of challenges they face in their community, and in the prison system. There are many cases in which the community is involvedRead MoreYouth Violence, Three Strike Legislation And Drugs1660 Words   |  7 Pagesmajor challenges facing criminal justice leaders. In this report, the use of literature review to capture the statistics and factual material has been instrumental. Apparently, the rates of youth violence remains relatively high despite the attempts to enact legislations such as the three-strike law. Drugs and related offenses have also plagued many communities. To address these issues, the report provide various relevant leadership theories and styles that criminal justice leaders ought to followRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System Is The Law Of The Land1380 Words   |  6 PagesThe criminal justice system as a whole can be looked at in numerous ways depending on the sub category you want to approach, whether it be the federal law, law enforcement or correctional programs. In most eyes, the federal law is the law of the land and by that it provides a stable community of rules that everyone must follow with efficiency while providing public safety. With that comes the enforcement of the law, the most common being police. In essence majority of the united states looks at theRead MoreEvaluating The Effectiveness Of Maryland s Correctional Education Program1486 Words   |  6 Pagesof Maryland’s Correctional Education program, by examining Maryland’s Criminal Justice Reinvestment program. The goal of the reinvestment program is to reinvest freed funds from closing select prisons back into the criminal justice system and use them to improve correctional education and rehabilitation programs. The end goal is to have an ex-offender that is able to provide for themselves without returning back to crime. Studies have shown that those who complete a correctional educational orRead MoreEssay on Components of the Criminal Justice System944 Words   |  4 PagesComponents of the Criminal Justice System Abstract Components of the criminal justice system include the police, the court system and correctional agencies. The definition, the function and examples of each component of the American criminal justice system will be described. The criminal procedure and the processing of offenders will also be described in details. Components of the Criminal Justice System The criminal justice system consists of three main components. Those components areRead MoreCorrections Trend Evaluation Essay1338 Words   |  6 PagesHector Garcia Ed. D Abstract Throughout the United States, there are many correctional facilities that house thousands of inmates. Individuals who work within these facilities have a tough job in maintaining the prison facility and the inmates. Correctional officers are called the front line workers and are responsible for looking after the inmates. The officers who work for the correctional facility deal with issues that may arise inside and outside of the facility. The subject to discuss isRead MoreWhy Do We as a Society Need a Criminal Justice System?1179 Words   |  5 PagesWHY DO WE AS A SOCIETY NEED A CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM? Introduction The criminal justice system is comprised of a basic formation, the law enforcement agencies, the courts, and the correctional services. This system has existed since ancient times and although the three facilities haven’t completely been replaced over the centuries, there has been a lot of change and amendment to how the system is used to investigate, deter, and keep order and control in today’s society. It is a fundamental part