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Childhood Obesity and School Lunches: A Letter, 2008.
A letter to a legislator regarding school lunch programs as a contributing factor to childhood obesity.
728 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper presents a letter in regard to the issue of childhood obesity and, in particular, how lunch programs in children's schools are contributing to this problem. The letter recommends increasing the number of physical education classes in schools and switching school milk supplies to organic milk to avoid the genetically engineered growth hormones in cows and beef cattle.
From the Paper
"In recent decades, increases in levels of obesity in children have reached the scale of a major public heath problem in Western countries. In Canada, for example, rates of overweight/obese children have more than doubled in the past twenty years, with estimates suggesting as many as 30% of Canadian children are obese (Veugelers and Fitzgerald 607). The numbers from the United States over the same time period are very similar (Whitmore). It is widely acknowledged in the scholarly literature on children and nutrition that the two primary mechanisms contributing to recent increase in obesity levels among children are poor nutrition and a lack of adequate exercise (Veugelers and Fitzgerald 607)."
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Voice Output Communications, 2008.
An examination of four articles on the subject of voice output communications assisting severely disabled children.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at four articles that address the strategies presently employed in the ongoing effort to help voice output communications assist those who are severely disabled or handicapped in some way. The paper briefly discusses the pertinent aspects and findings of each study. The author writes how he would apply these technologies to the educational environment within which he operates.
Outline:
Introduction
Article Summary
Adaptation to the Educational Environment of Which This Writer is a Part
From the Paper
"While the study is elegant in its simplicity, there are certain problems that should be pointed out. For one thing, the authors (Dyches et al, 2002) trained those individuals who would be working with Natasha on how to communicate with her; thus, it is fair to ask whether or not the devices actually work in a communicative sense or simply "look good" because the other participants in the study have received prior training. Additionally, the methodology is compromised because there are only six community members involved in the study and only one disabled person; hence, any findings cannot be generalized to all disabled people in all community environments."
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Career Education: A Lesson Plan, 2008.
A career education plan for ninth graders.
1,251 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The writer discusses the cognitive and psychosocial characteristics of ninth graders. The writer then discusses how a class could help students identify career paths that are appropriate for their aptitudes and interests. The writer presents his career education plan, explaining that it includes four units of study for ninth graders: "Demands of the Workplace", "Being Accountable and Taking Initiative", "Setting Goals and Assessing My Own Strengths and Progress", and "Self-Management and Self-Assessment". The paper then details the lesson in the first unit.
Outline:
Background Theory
My Ninth Grade Career Education Plan
Lesson Plan from Unit One
From the Paper
"Jean Piaget the noted to child development expert postulated that there were four operational stages of intellectual development. These students are just entering the fourth or "formal" operational stage meaning that they can begin to think abstractly and move beyond simple concrete ways of thinking. (Child Development Institute, 2006) Onset of this stage allows for exploration of adult roles as student thinking grows more flexible.
"According to psychologist Erik Erikson there are eight stages of social development through which individuals pass as they mature. At this age students generally are entering the fifth stage and the major developmental task is role identity. Adolescents discover who they are as members of society meaning that most students begin to think of workplace roles (Harder, 2002). Career education can assist this development."
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Boys and Reading: Gender Stereotyping, 2008.
A discussion on the underperformance of boys when they learn to read in comparison to girls.
2,469 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls. The essay provides a critical exploration of the issues in the debate, and argues the thesis that the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls is a consequence of systemic gender stereotyping in our society as a whole.
Outline:
Introduction
Boys and Reading: The Critical Context
Boys and Reading: The Stereotype
Boys and Reading: What Can Educators Do?
Analysis
From the Paper
"Among contemporary teaching professionals, one of the most compelling issues of our time is that of the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls. This is a particularly controversial issue, as it follows upon a very similar concern in the discipline some years before regarding the underperformance of girls in particular subjects. Moreover, as any review of the literature on the subject will reveal, the complex and controversial issues of gender stereotyping, and how we as a society understand, construct and/or shape masculinity, lie at the core of the debate."
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Legal and Policy Issues in Education, 2008.
An examination of education policies and legal issues related to intelligent design and religion with schools in the United States.
1,395 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses education policies and legal issues surrounding education in the United States. It begins by providing a functional definition of education policy and the importance of education policies. The paper then looks at examples of how the educational policy can go too far. The paper specifically looks at how intelligent design and religion can cause legal issues in education.
Table of Contents:
Educational Policy: A Functional Definition
Legal Issues in Education: Intelligent Design and Religion
From the Paper
"Intelligent design will continue to be a significant legal challenge for educators in the coming years in the United States, but also in other Western nations. Intelligent design is the latest attempt by religious institutions to blur the line between church and state in public institutions by wrapping religion in the cloak of science. Educators who are tempted by the possibility of bridging this divide would do well to remember that their primary responsibility is to the students in their care. It will only do them harm to teach them that religion has the explanatory power to supplant science--it is the historical equivalent of erasing the last five hundred years of scientific progress in favor of medieval religious dogma. Educators should collectively take a stand against intelligent design and commit themselves to providing the most accurate education possible to their students."
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Censorship of Children's Books, 2008.
This paper discusses the issue of the censorship of books for children, focusing on Susan Patron's book, "The Higher Power of Lucy".
1,938 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
The focus of this paper is to discuss the censorship of a Newberry Medal children's book, "The Highest Power of Lucky," by Susan Patron. More specifically, the writer questions whether the word "scrotum" should cause a Newberry Medal children's book to be banned from libraries. The writer also discusses whether librarians have the right to ban a book because it has a word or phrase that relates to sex. The writer maintains that the censorship of books is wrong, especially when the book is being banned due to one word or phrase.
Outline:
Looking at the Book, "The Highest Power of Lucy"
Why the Author Used the Word
Censoring Children's Books
Censorship Creating Problems with Educational Staff
The Problems with Censorship
From the Paper
"Only at the end of the book does Lucky trust her guardian to ask the meaning of the word. Lucky is similar to many students today who have single parents in their lives. Lucky can also be compared to many latchkey children who fend for themselves while their parents are at work. Many of these children learn words and actions that are not appropriate, but it is a part of their every day life. Reading about Lucky will not reveal words that these children know anyway."
"When deciding to ban a book, the librarian should consider the purpose of the book. Why has the author created this book? What is the main purpose of the book? These questions should be considered before deciding whether the book is inappropriate. The themes of the book center on Lucky becoming a grown-up who needs to learn about language and body parts. If Lucky does not learn the meaning of words from her guardian, then more than likely she will learn about different words from her peers. Children will learn the definitions to different words whether they do it through parents, friends, or peers. Would it be better to learn different words from parents or peers?"
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McTighe/Wiggins and Marzano on Public Education, 2008.
A comparative analysis between two books regarding the improvement of public education: "Understanding by Design" by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins and "What Works: Translating Research into Action" by Robert Marzano.
970 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts McTigheand Wiggins' "Understanding by Design" and Marzano's "What Works in Schools", which both address the problems facing public school education. The paper points out that McTighe and Wiggins propose what they call a "backward planning design process." That is, before one designs a learning experience one needs to identify the desired results, the evidence that will illustrate these results and finally the method best suited for reaching these results. The paper contrasts this with Marzano's approach, noting that it differs mainly because Marzano views a master teacher as analogous to a chess master, with strategies to recognize and exploit thousands of situations. The paper further explains that Marzano's book seeks to provide teachers with a vast repertoire of tools for evaluating and then meeting the needs of students. The paper concludes that although the two articles have very different styles and starting points, they both offer a great deal of advice for instruction and complement each other by providing different approaches for taking what research says about learning and using it to improve instruction.
From the Paper
"In dealing with student level factors, Marzano presents research investigating the assumption of many educational reports, which claim that factors involving the student's background and home life are the greatest determinants of academic success. Since the home is outside of the school or teacher's direct control, Marzano presents more of an explanation of how students learn. Under "Student Motivation", he outlines how teachers can enhance and use student motivation including ways to give feedback, provide engaging tasks and opportunities for students to construct long-term work of their own design. These sections parallel Wiggins and McTighe as they are authentic examples of "instruction by design.""
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The "No Child Left Behind Act", 2008.
An analysis of testing in relation to the "No Child Left Behind Act".
820 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to determine if testing under the "No Child Left Behind Act" (NCLB), signed into law in 2001 by President George Bush, is capable of accomplishing what it is intended to accomplish. The paper points out that NCLB was intended to address the needs of students to achieve proficiency in basic reading and mathematical skills. Prior to the implementation of NCLB, many youths throughout the country were exiting the educational system without possessing these skills and this hindered their ability to achieve personal and professional goals. As a solution, NCLB required each state to develop standardized testing that would produce test scores indicating each student's level and allowing officials to determine whether or not the schools were accomplishing their goals. The paper finds that one of the most significant issues is that each state's tests are not universal and in some states the tests are consistently changed, providing no clear evidence of progress that can be compared over time. The paper concludes that, for students struggling in school, state testing measures do not support the intention of NCLB and reduce the validity of the accountability of the educational system.
From the Paper
"The text of the NCLB indicates that "each state may select and design assessments of their choosing" ("No Child", 2001, sec. 3). Wenning, Herdman, Smith, McMahon and Washington (2003) discuss the fact that in states such as Louisiana and Maryland the tests that have been developed to meet the mandates of NCLB are both norm-referenced and criterion based (sec. 2). According to Wenning, Herdman, Smith, McMahon and Washington (2003) this means that some students are tested on their "board knowledge" of a subject, while other students are tested on their specific knowledge of objectives associated with the curriculum in each state (sec. 2). As this consistently occurs the tests results that are gathered by the state and federal governments cannot be compared to one another because there is not a universal system of testing that occurs. Additionally, because the testing of students is determined by each state, some states alter the testing patterns given, further complicating the accountability and assessment process."
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Bilingual Education, 2008.
An analysis of the positive effects of bilingualism and why Canadian immersion programs have been so successful compared to their American counterparts.
2,177 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the research on bilingualism. It argues that the research clearly shows that bilingualism is desirable and therefore that it should be promoted, preferably by making its benefits more widely known. The paper discusses possible reasons why Canadian immersion programs have been so successful while similar attempts at immersion in the USA (with minority children) have often been quite unsuccessful.
From the Paper
"Moreover, as we have seen above, the evidence from Canada shows that bilingualism can often be very useful for children, promoting their competence and achievement in the classroom, as well as their intelligence on all measures. However, it must be conceded that the playing fields in the USA and Canada are different, in that in the Canadian situation, children are electing to immerse themselves in a second language, rather than attempting to hold on to their mother tongues while simultaneously learning English - as is often the case in the USA. It may well be that the relative lack of success in the US context is a direct result of the fact that immigrant children often face other barriers, such as poverty. This is not the case in immersion programs in Canada, where the children are usually neither immigrants nor living with other impeding factors such as poverty. It is argued that the evidence regarding bilingualism that stems from the Canadian context does not have these extraneous variables, and thus can be regarded as more reliable."
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Work-Based Learning Programs (WBL), 2008.
This paper describes and reflects upon work-based learning programs (WBL), especially in the high school curriculum.
1,530 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that work-based learning (WBL) involves schools and employers working together to create a structured learning program connected to the academic and technical content learned in the classroom. The author points out that WBL provides a smooth transition from the educational world of theory to a work opportunity, which essentially is an apprenticeship. The paper relates that WBL can be considered as a method for retaining students that might otherwise drop out of school. The author compares his or her high school work experience with WBL and states that, today, WBL is a valuable tool for many students, particularly those who lack the kind of direction or discipline that makes college or the military viable choices. The paper notes that many colleges use work-study, independent study and directed study programs to enable students to get practical experience while continuing their education.
From the Paper
"Keeping student workers engaged is a task that relies on more than the students' dedication. It also relies on the employers' willingness to become involved in the process. Cunningham, Dawes, and Bennett indicate that in order to facilitate work-based learning, student workers must be empowered to take control of their own learning process through self-managed learning. However, there is also a need to involve management and other upper-level workers sufficiently with the student workers so that they support the experimental learning process and undermine its value."
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Integration of Non-English Speaking Students, 2008.
A case study presentation of the language and cultural issues that exist in terms of integration of new non-English speaking students into a school.
3,082 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a girl who emmigrated from Cambodia to Canada. It describes the issues that are related to her integration into a new school in Canada. The paper begins by presenting the case study. It discusses the background of Cambodia and why the girl's family chose to leave. The paper then looks at the traditions and the behavior of the girl and describes the language issues that she has on arrival in Canada. Finally, the paper discusses goals for language development and adjustment into the school.
Table of Contents:
Introduction - Chantrea's Background
Behaviors, Attitudes & Traditions
Language
Goals for Language Development
Activities / Strategies Regarding the "Four Strands of Language Arts"
Adjustment in the Classroom
From the Paper
"It is important that Chantrea should maintain a sense of pride in her culture whilst she assimilates to Canadian life. Many Cambodian immigrants escape the oppressive governmental regime to flock to North America, though this does not mean the Cambodian culture and traditional values should be forgotten. Chantrea may be able to join up with an after-school group, such as the equivalent of the Khmer Emerging Education Program (KEEP) in the United States (World, 2003). Such groups boast teachers which aim to "breathe life into literary figures and historical accounts, using movies, photographs, personal stories, and textbooks" from Cambodian sources. Learning about the Cambodian cultural background on a continuing basis will help the child also form a strong bond with her family and their origins."
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Article Review: Why Toddlers Bite, 2008.
This paper reviews an article titled 'A New Bit on Toddler Biting- The Influence of Food, Oral Motor Development, and Sensory Activities' by Ramming, Kyger and Thompson published in "Young Children".
760 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that one of the most upsetting events for parents and children is when a child is bitten by another child. The author points out that the article addresses this problem from the standpoint of developmental problems including oral motor development, sensory integration and behavioral organization. The paper relates that Ramming, Kyger and Thompson believe that the best way to stop children from biting is to meet their developmental needs. The author surmises that, basically, children bite in reaction to different senses that they do not understand. The paper cites that the article suggests that the ways to prevent biting includes feeding the children foods that they can chew on and giving them oral stimulation brushes and other chewing objects.
From the Paper
"The authors believe biting is linked to oral development or the suck, swallow, and breathe synchrony. Children bite in order to change the environment. When a child feels stressed, the child bites to ease the stress. Sensory integration is related to the normal vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, but also proprioceptive sense, vestibular sense, and tactile sense. When any of these are threatened, a child may bite (Running, Kyger, and Thompson, 2006, 18). Children cannot understand many of the senses that they are feeling so they bite to reduce the stress. The hypothesis by the authors states centers on the belief that a child bites when he is trying to respond to a situation but lacks the ability to handle the situation."
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