Standardized Testing in United States Schools - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 973 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/06/24 Category Management Essay Level High school Tags: Standardized Testing Essay Did you like this example? Schools across the United States have become accustomed to the idea of standardized testing and use these tests constantly throughout the school year. Many children even start these tests at the young age of 11. There are a variety of tests such as the SAT, ACT, and PERT, which are the focal measurements determining acceptance into most colleges. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Standardized Testing in United States Schools" essay for you Create order The main question is, should these standardized tests be mandatory at all high schools? This topic has been widely debated throughout the years, but based on research conducted by researchers, journalists, etc. the answer is yes. The fact that standardized tests are reliable, objective measurements of student and teacher achievement, and an educational reference point to ensure fair school education across the nation are just two of the many reasons why all high schools should mandate these tests. It is human nature to make mistakes and have biased opinions, but with the use of standardized testing, it provides an objective measurement of student and teacher achievement. Contrary to popular belief, teachers have a large impact on students grades unintentionally from the unreliability of the scores through favoritism and error. According to Richard P. Phelps, author of Defending Standardized testing, it is stated, First, there is the benefit of information used for diagnosis (e.g., of a students or teachers problems or progress). Standardized tests may reveal weaknesses or strengths that corroborate or supplement a teachers or principals analysis. (Phelps). The basis of Phelps argument is that the information produced by the tests helps determine teacher and student achievement. Standardized tests also ascertain whether there is a positive or negative correlation between the two, as in if the teacher had prepared the student successfully enough or whether the student possesses the capable skills to pass the given test. To summarize the previous statement, The Huffington Post expresses similar viewpoints. According to Dr. Gail Gross, contributor to the Huffington Post, The standardized test is an objective and critical measure of achievement in skills, knowledge, and abilities, and must pass the criteria of measurement validity, reliability, and bias, as well as an awareness of the tests potential limitations in scoring (Gross). What can be understood from these two quotes is that one benefit of standardized testing is making sure that each participant of the test is graded fairly and objectively to ensure the best possible results of the students achievement. Besides the understanding of individual student academic achievements provided by standardized testing, it also acts as an educational reference point for schoolwide and nationwide success. According to Dr. Gail Gross from the Huffington Post, The standardized test gives valuable insight into broader issues, such as acting as an education reference point for fair and equitable education for all children in all schools † district by district and state by state (Gross). Most standardized tests provide percentages of schools passing rates and group them throughout the school district to show what schools need further funding and help to overall better their students education. These large decisions concerning further amplification of the schools educational curriculum are made by the districts School Board, in which the superintendent of that district plays a major role. In low-income neighborhoods and cities, students test scores tend to be lower than those of the more fortunate due to lack of proper materials, funding, and other vital resources needed to ultimately pass the test. According to Defending Standardized Testing, there has been a conducted survey of 1,023 parents of children who attend school, in which it was found that 83% of the responding participants believe that tests provide important information about their childrens educational progress, and even further, 9 out of 10 wanted data to compare and contrast the scores of their children and the schools they attend. (Phelps). In arguing this claim, Phelps used the conducted survey of childrens test scores from standardized testing to show that not only do these tests provide crucial information regarding academic achievement but assess the comparison of the scores throughout the schools that take it. This overall benefits the schools throughout the district because it can assess the schools progress to the School Board, negative or positive. On the other hand, some people might argue and constantly scrutinize standardized testing based on the mere fact that it can cause students to become very stressed and overwhelmed. According to Francois R. Casas and Diane E. Meaghan, co-authors of Renewing the Debate Over the Use of Standardized Testing in the Evaluation of Learning and Teaching, Standardized tests are not suitable for all students: the pressure they exert on children is of a different nature than that encountered daily in the classroom. (Casas, Meaghan). In other words, Casas and Meaghan emphasize the stress applied to children when studying for and taking standardized tests instructed in their curriculum. This may be true in some cases, on how each person participating in this test is different and have different amounts of stress they can deal with, which can be tricky when it comes to the day of the test. This is certainly not a factor to rule out because, understandably, the negative impacts these tests have on children are serious. However, with further adjustment to the curriculum, the overall benefit of these tests outweighs the negative impacts that can sometimes, but quite seldomly occur. In the final analysis, standardized tests are crucial and overall advantageous because they are reliable and objective measures of student achievement and serve as an educational reference point to ensure fair school education in all schools. The practice and use of standardized tests persist with high hopes of counteracting the negative effects, alongside the desire to intensify and strengthen the positive outcomes that are the result of these tests. The debate over this topic is far from over and will continue to be researched as more effective standardized tests arise in schools over periods of time.

Christian Ideals in The Grapes of Wrath Essay - 858 Words

The Christian Ideals in The Grapes of Wrath nbsp; In Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath one of the themes discussed is the idea of Christian goodness exhibited in the Joads and other migrant workers. Those in the book representing this * [eat] together with glad and sincere hearts. This type of selfless sharing is a Christian concept of good fellowship. Particularly, Ma shows her caring towards others from the beginning and urges others to do the same. Jim Casy, while struggling with the orthodox view of Christianity, still displays a general concern for his fellow man. Repeatedly the family and others associated sacrifice comfort for the requirements of others. When people are in need, a sacrifice for their behalf makes society†¦show more content†¦His initials, J.C., stand for Jesus Christ, continuing the sacrificial nature of the characters in the book. When Tom is about to be arrested, Casy allows himself to be taken saying: Somebody got to take the blame. He sets an example for Tom to follow later and takes the punishment for Toms crime, which is reminiscent of Jesus purpose on earth. Also like Jesus, Casy gives his life for the people, thought they most likely do not appreciate the gift, leading them and also trying to convince others realize their the results of their actions. While many do not understand how their shortsightedness [helps] to starve kids, Casy extends his view and sacrifices of his time and eventually of his life to ameliorate the situations of the migrant farmers. Jim Casy leaves the legacy of Christian sacrifice to the other characters, and after he is gone, the choice to work together is up to those still alive. Once in California, the comprehension is displayed that comfort should not be valued over the need of others. In the Hooverville, the Joads are faced with a dilemma as starving children gather around Ma while she is fixing their dinner. Albeit they [dont] have enough for themselves, they nevertheless save a taste for the children. When the mother of the offspring comes t o Ma, the Joad explains that they [couldnt] keep it when they look [like that]. The Joads give up their comfort of a good meal to 3 give a little to the children. 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Israel and the PA sign the Hebron Protocol in 1997. The 50th anniversary of Israeli independence was celebrated in 1998, and in order to facilitate the InterimRead MoreWe Must Obey Our Elders17194 Words   |  69 Pageswhat was Meant by what was Written, even IF one had Access to the ORIGINAL Manuscripts, which no one HAD! Indeed, the Oldest Manuscripts that People have Di scovered until this very Day, were Written a hundred Years or more AFTER the Events of the Christian Era of the First Century; and therefore, as far as we Know, there are NO Original Manuscripts Available! Therefore, what is more Reliable than the HOLY SPIRIT, who now Speaks to ME, saying that it should have been Translated as â€Å"THAT,† instead ofRead MoreBlack Naturalism and Toni Morrison: the Journey Away from Self-Love in the Bluest Eye8144 Words   |  33 Pagesperception of individuals being thwarted and oppressed by an elite group also included its opposite-that is, that a group, united together to protect their collective interests, can prevail. Naturalistic fiction in the 1930s such as Stein-beck s The Grapes of Wrath included, then, a transformation from an inherent protection of oneself and one s family to an increased awareness of a responsibility to others, demonstrated when Rose of Sharon shares her mother s milk with a starving stranger (15). In the

Frederick Douglass A Learning Nation - 1631 Words

Frederick Douglass: A Learning Nation By definition the word abolition means,† The act of abolishing... the state of being abolished... the legal prohibition and ending of slavery, especially of slavery of blacks in the U.S.(Definition).† When Frederick Douglass wrote his personal narrative it had a profound effect on the abolitionist cause. People were astounded at how it opened their eyes to the horror of what slavery genuinely was. The book allowed people to recognize how slaves felt, and reminded them that they were intellectual beings who had thoughts and feelings. Many repeating themes throughout the novel changed the lives and beliefs of many northerners, especially regarding education, equality, and freedom for slaves and†¦show more content†¦Due to her disagreement she moved to Philadelphia to live with her sister(The Abolitionists). As a woman who was willing to speak her own mind, she was very revolutional. Not only did people listen to her though, they followed her, eventually she eve n formed her own women’s rally, and was married to her husband by a black priest. Northern support for abolition was one of the only opportunities that the slaves had for hope of emancipation. William Lloyd Garrison supported the abolitionist cause for thirty years before the Civil War broke out, when freedom was more of a possibility than a thought. Garrison, an avid supporter of abolition, embraced a mixed race view of American culture, and demanded immediate abolition of slavery(The Abolitionists). These views helped him gain many enemies that were more powerful than him. He was thrown in jail, after which he started his own newspaper that supported abolition. By 1830, he was back in Boston and rallying supporters. On January 1, 1831 Garrison published his first paper, within the first eight months his name became associated with a band of black slave rebels who killed a series of white families (The Abolitionists). Garrison met Douglass at a convention and Garrison encouraged him to tell his personal account of his experiences with slavery. Douglass’ ac count had a more profound effect on

The More We Have the More We Want free essay sample

Nowadays we live in a society, which is obsessed with materialistic things. In supermarkets, shops, on the internet also almost everywhere we are surrounded with products which we could buy. Unfortunately people want more and more stuff and are not satisfied with what they have. People have need to own more and more things, because the society requisite It from us. The people around us push us to buy new things, to have stuff which we really do not need. So the cold truth is that we are competing with others.On the other side there is the media, who manipulates us and we do not even recognize it. The commercials always have effects on us and make us believe that we really need the product which they are selling. There are every year more and more shopping centers and they are every time bigger and bigger. Visiting shopping centers became a holiday or a relaxation or a plan for the weekend. We will write a custom essay sample on The More We Have the More We Want or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Lot of women and even men became Sophocles and obsessed with all kind of products and stuff. Consequently is the money what we most need and want.Without money we cannot afford this things and this Is why we want more and more money. The society is expressing to us that persons who have lot of money have comfortably and better life, have everything what they want and are happy. But believe that this Is not true. I think that money cannot buy happiness. And I totally agree with the statement which says that money is the root of all evil. On the other hand we can also be obsessed with power, fame, and all kind of psychical stuff The power is the most dangerous of them.One you eave a little power over somebody you want more and more. Good examples of this are the negative and bad personalities in history like Hitler, Stalin and others. And this is why we need to be careful with our power. In conclusion in my essay I absolutely supported the statement above and I exposure only the bad sides, because I believe that there are only negative sides about that. I hope that people will begin to starve for knowledge and not for material or bad psychical things. Only this would be good to have a lot and want more and more.

Airasia Corporate Strategies free essay sample

Understanding the operations of the firm Flat Hierarchy Opportunity to grow and voice their opinion Effective communicator – Singleminded and simple approach to operations. By adopting the Blue Ocean Strategy, he significantly reengineered the way in which the airline industry in Malaysia had been previously run and he created a leap in value for customers He introduced: †¢ he went beyond existing market constraints to re-create market boundaries †¢ a low price ticket and no-frills mode of operations in order to create value for customers †¢ Created multiple new routes and frequency of flights etc. Four Actions Framework AirAsia’s Strategy Canvas Outcome of the decision Developing Airline of the Year 2003 by Airfinance Journal 2012 ATW Value Airline of the Year Strategic decision 2 – AirAsia X (Long Haul) ? Global strategy-International expansion ? Formed in 2007 ? An associate company that offers long-haul services from Kuala Lumpur to Australia, China, France, India, Iran, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. We will write a custom essay sample on Airasia Corporate Strategies or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Strategic decision 2 – AirAsia X (Long Haul) Quality of the decision ? Overall, the long-haul model for AirAsia X is a great success. ? But the flight routes to London and Paris have to be cancelled due to high fuel prices and low demand. ? â€Å"It (the decision) was emotional,† recalled by Fernandes in an interview revealing his emotional attachment to London. This sentimental decision eventually contributed to the failure of long-haul flights.

Free sample - Chemistry of Fireworks. translation missing

Chemistry of Fireworks. Chemistry of FireworksThe Chemistry of fireworks is a very interesting field. A look at an amusement park or a baseball game, or such events such as New Year’s Eve or Christmas Eve are just a few ways to show how much fun that comes our way from fireworks. This however is an intricate science requiring application of physical science. For instance, to produce a red chrysanthemum spray and an accompanying explosion requires certain components and materials such as an oxygen producer, color ejector, binder, fuel and propellants. There are three conspicuous and identifiable forms of energy produced by fireworks. These are heat, light and sound. The loud sound experienced in such events is attributed to the rapid release of energy into the atmosphere; hence the air expands at a greater rate than the speed at which sound travels. Therefore, a sonic boom which is a shock wave is produced. The chemistry behind fireworks is a series of oxidation and reduction reactions which result in the desired sound and light. This happens as propellants push the firework into the sky. Oxidation reactions ensure that the oxygen needed to exhaustively burn the mixture of reducing agents and excite the atoms in the light-emitting compounds is produced. Oxidizers used such as chlorates, nitrates and percolates and reducing agents such as carbon and sulfur are available of the shelf for home-made users. The combination of reducing agents with oxygen is there responsible for the energy dissipated during the reaction.Black powder, which mainly contains nitrates, is the most used oxidizer (Conkling, 1985). A look at an explosion under the use of potassium nitrate so as to provide nitrate ions (NO3-) after decomposition can be represented as: Potassium nitrate   potassium oxide + nitrogen gas + oxygen gas. 2KNO3 K2O+N2+2.502 The reaction is more controlled since when reacting, nitrates only release two in every three oxygen atoms, hence, the reaction is not exhaustive and vigorous since not all the oxygen atoms are actively used up. However, nitrates do not provide enough power to propel the firework into the sky and also ignite the package. Therefore, they cannot be used in star explosions since they cannot produce temperatures high enough to energize most color metal salts. Star reactions need a temperature ranging from 1700 to 2000 °C. This was enabled by the Italians in the 1830’s whereby they came across more explosive oxidizers, chlorates (ClO3-), which give up all their committed oxygen atoms upon reaction. This can be illustrated by the equation below which is highly spectacular, vigorous and releases more energy. 2KClO3 2KCl+3 O2   Potassium chlorate potassium chloride + oxygen gas. However, chlorates have the major demerit of being highly unstable, hence they can be dangerous to handle. On the merit side, chlorate can be easily ignited. For instance, dropping them on the ground can lead to a major explosion. This is since chlorates have the maximum potential of bonding with four oxygen atoms but they however bond with three. The fourth oxygen atom is left free, unsaturated and reactive. This makes chlorates better oxidizing agents. Further, in comparison to the slow-burning rate previously availed by nitrates, chlorates provide a faster reaction leading to a loud and exceedingly dangerous explosion. This was solved by the use of perchlorates which are more stable when releasing oxygen. The oxygen atoms in perchlorates are fully bonded hence stable. When reacting, perchlorates are able to release all their oxygen atoms. (Russell, 2009) KClO4   KCl+2O2 Potassium perchlorate   Potassium Chloride + oxygen gas So, perchlorates are not only more stable, but more oxygen-rich than chlorates. They, like chlorates, produce more vigorous reactions which produce hot, rapidly expanding oxygen atoms than nitrates in their star compartments. Carbon and sulfur in charcoal are the most common reducing agents. They are contained in black powder and react to produce carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide respectively. Oxygen + sulfurSulfur (IV) Oxide gas O2 (g) + S(s)   SO2 (g) Oxygen + carbon   Carbon (IV) Oxide gas O2 (g) + C(s)   CO2 (g) The magnanimous amount of energy released in these reactions and the hot rapidly expanding oxygen gas provide a basis for propulsion and consequent explosion. The chemistry of fireworks, so as to come up with a varying degree of colors has generated a lot of interest. Color is generated through two mainstream ways: Incandescence and luminescence. Incandescence entails the production of light by means of heat. When a substance glows as a result of heat, it first emits infrared wavelengths, then red light. Orange light is then produced as the object becomes progressively hotter, followed by yellow and finally white light. Under a controlled environment, the glow of reducing agents such as charcoal can be regulated at a certain temperature, hence emitting a particular color at the desired time. Temperature regulators that are most common are magnesium, aluminum and titanium. Luminescence is the production of light through other means other than heat. These can therefore occur at colder temperatures lower than room temperature since it is independent of any heat. An electron in an atom is first excited and destabilized by absorption of energy. The atom is then relegated to a lower energy state hence releasing the energy within via photons, the basics of light. The energy possessed by these photons consequently determines its wavelength or color. A major challenge in producing color through luminescence is that some salts used are unstable at room temperatures such as Barium chloride. Therefore, this problem must be solved by use of a combination of these salts with more stable compounds such as chlorinated rubber. For instance, in the combustion of the pyrotechnic composition between barium chloride and chlorinated rubber, a green color is produced. Other salts such as copper chloride which gives a blue color must be regulated not to attain high temperatures yet the brightness of the resultant blue color must be achieved. (Pressroom, 2010) Quality The quality of the resultant color produced by various factors can be compromised by various factors. First, pure colors require pure ingredients. No traces of impurities such as the dominant impurity, sodium, which gives a yellow-orange color, should be present since it easily overpowers all other colors. Secondly, the cost of the firework when the client is buying off the shelf often alludes to quality. Finally, it is important to note the date of manufacture and the skill and popularity attached to the manufacturer by other users. (Helmenstine, 2009) Firework Colorants How fireworks work. It is crucial to evaluate how both sparklers, which ensure production of bright light, and firecrackers, which enable the production of explosions, function. Firecrackers consist of black powder, commonly referred to as gun powder in a tight tube made of paper and fuse at one end so as to set the powder alit. The main compounds and elements of black powder are sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate. Further, some explosions are brightened the more by use of aluminum. On the other hand, sparklers are used to produce exceptionally bright and showery light for a longer period of time that can last up to a minute. There are commonly referred to as ‘snowball sparklers’ since they are accompanied by a ball of sparks surrounding the burning epicenter. A sparkler constitutes various compounds. Key among them is oxidizers, fuel, binder such as starch or sugar and iron or steel powder. They are mixed in water to form slurry which is then coated on a wire through dipping. This is then dried. It is then ready for use whereby it can be lit in order to burn end to end like a cigarette. In sparklers, oxidizers and fuel are carefully proportioned with other compounds so as it burns slowly rather than explode as is the case with firecrackers. Fireworks however are more complex in their manufacture. Bright shimmering sparks have to be induced by adding steel or iron, aluminum, magnesium and zinc. These metal flaks heat up to attain high temperatures that ensure production of light by incandescence beyond which they burn exhaustively. To create a wide range of colors, various chemical addictives are used. Aerial FireworksThese are large, conspicuous and colorful fireworks that can be observed on major celebrations such as the Fourth of July. The aerial firework shell contains: stars which are small cylinders, cubes or spheres that contain the compounds needed; container which has the pasted paper for instructions and things such as company name and an accompanying string; the bursting charge located at the center of the shell; and a fuse which ensures delay in time till the firecracker attains the right altitude. A lifting charge is located below the shell. A mortar is used to launch an aerial firecracker. This is a small, steel pipe containing black powder that serves as the lifting charge. When this is fired, the shell fuse is lit which burns progressively up to the desired height, then explodes. A simple shell, such as those used in an aerial display, contains stars in the blue balls, and a grey part containing black powder and the center tube containing the bursting charge. Multi- break shells burst over two or three phases. They have a variety of colors and compositions so as to contain various degrees of light and sparks. Multi-break shells have various compartments or sections in one with different fuses. Each shell bursts and consequently ignites the other through break charges, each with a different effect and possible color. Fireworks Displays The pattern painted in the sky by an aerial shell chiefly depends on the order and arrangement of star pellets in the shell. For instance, equally spaced pellets in a circle with the accompanying black powder produce a mid-air display of minor star explosions uniformly spaced in a circle. A specific figure can therefore be created by arranging the star pellets in the outline of the figure desired. Place explosive charges in the interior of the figure so as to blow them outside into a large figure as desired. Then, surround this with a layer of break charge so as to separate them with the rest of the shell contents. This break charges must be set to explode at the desired time. (Ashby, 2007) There are several shell names in the market: Firework Safety/ Conclusion   In conclusion, it is important to note that fireworks are sources of sun but they have however come along with various precautions that have to be adhered. Fireworks are used in most of today’s’ public celebrations. However, they are dangerous if mishandled. Over 8000 United States are reported to suffer every year due to fireworks. Of whom more than half are children. The most common hazard experienced by more than a third of the cases is burns which have been reported to occur from illegally acquired fireworks. Hence, there are a number of regulations that have been put in place to ensure mishandling reduces. The statute organization chiefly responsible for consumer fireworks is the National Council on Fireworks Safety. It educates the public on how to responsibly handle and use fireworks. The National Fire Protection Association is responsible for enforcing rigorous safety regulations for big fireworks displays. Spectators are required to watch at least 840 feet from the launching zone based on the height and burst diameter of the largest of shells. Secondly, shells cannot be launched if the winds at that particular time are stronger than 20 miles per hour, since they would be carried away over the set diameter thereby causing harm to onlookers. However, despite all these regulations that have been put in place, many accidents still do occur at informal and poorly regulated places. Manufacturers are also required by law to set up buildings in the manufacturing plants that are separated by concrete blast walls from any other buildings with roofs weakened so as any resultant explosion travels upwards instead of outwards. Further, mechanization in the industry is limited and work is mainly done by hand since machines may produce sparks or static charges that would be disastrous in causing explosions. However, some disasters have occurred between 1970 and 1995 resulting in the death of more than 20 factory employees. Environmentally Friendly Fireworks Most animals are scared by the explosions resulting from displays. Most regulations and rules bar people from attending such events with their pets in tow. Sadly, cases of pets getting lost at such events have been reported. Wide research is continuing on hoe to combine various elements into pyrotechnic compounds and mixtures have been made. This produces minimal smoke and particulate matter. This shall replace oxidizers such as perchlorates which are environmentally harmful.

Patriot Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Patriot Act - Essay Example the freedom of speech and assembly (First Amendment); the freedom from unreasonable search and seizure (Fourth Amendment); the right to due process of law (Fifth Amendment); the right to a speedy, public and fair trial along with the right to counsel and to confront the accuser (Sixth Amendment), the freedom from cruel and unusual punishment (Eighth Amendment) and freedom from punishment without conviction (13th Amendment). According to the Justice Department, the PATRIOT Act gives support to and encourages enhanced sharing of information among various law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels. In addition, this law assists law enforcement in their efforts to â€Å"connect the dots† from a wider scope of agencies when assembling evidence so as to â€Å"develop a complete picture† regarding possible threats from terrorists (Ward, 2002). The PATRIOT Act gives law enforcement more latitude when attempting to intercept transmissions of ‘suspected terrorist’s’ discussions via electronic surveillance. Agents of the government can now secretly tap into any citizen’s phone calls or internet communications including all visited web sites (Rackow, 2002). If directed by the Justice Department, police officers can enter people’s homes without benefit of a warrant and even seize their belongings and not ever have to inform the homeowner of the se arch. Individuals as well as religious and political organizations can legally be spied on by law enforcement agencies whether or not those agencies can produce any evidence a crime has or is planning to be committed. In addition, citizens are denied their Fifth Amendment right of due process by the Act. They can be forcibly detained and refused access to an attorney with no evidence being supplied by which to justify this previously illegal action. Critics of the Act suggest that is in contradiction to the tenants of the First Amendment. As an example, a citizen can be identified and treated as