Descartes and Hume’s Infinity Essay

The word infinity refers to several concepts but all pertains to something that is without bound or endless. Most of the time, it is used in the field of mathematics but the concept is also used in several other fields including philosophy. This paper will try to study Rene Descartes and David Hume’s concepts and views of infinity as well as the problems regarding their concepts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For Rene Descartes, the word infinity is attributed and is referred to a perfect being, to God. On the other hand, although most of his infinity raises most paradoxes that are really challenging for his empiricism, David Hume asserts that we cannot comprehend infinity. According to Descartes, infinity is the same as God or that God is the same as infinity. He also proves the existence of God by using the concept of infinity as an illustration. Descartes also said that he is able to see infinity because he is able to think and imagine a large object and as well as a larger object but not the largest object. Descartes stated the existence of god is proven by the use of infinity because according to him, if you have the idea of infinity and yet cannot witnessed it proves the existence of God. This is because our so called finite self will not be able to generate the idea of something like infinity and therefore the idea must then came from a somewhere or someone of infinite being, from God. The ability of God is also proven by infinity because according to Descartes, the continuity of thing should be conserved and therefore needs the continuous power that is supporting it. On the other hand, according to David Hume, because it is by faith that we know that God exist and so we will know his nature in the heaven. If there is a God with infinite attributes, then he is therefore infinitely incomprehensible without proportion to us human beings. Therefore Hume objects the concept of infinity because we cannot experience infinity; therefore we have no adequate idea of what infinity really is. Because of his belief and thinking, he even proposes to replace the notion of endless or unbounded, infinity, by a time and space theory. That every idea that we have is copied from a similar impression is the fundamental of Hume’s arguments. So according to Hume, our idea of God together with his attributes such as his infinite intelligence, good being and all his infinite abilities and characteristics are just products of our own mind, increasing that idea without limit those qualities. Therefore our notion and knowledge of god is not brought by any revelations or something that god put on us but rather by of us taking our normal attributes and increasing these attributes to infinity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The major problem regarding the theory and idea of Hume is that it contradicts some principles in geometry such as the Pythagorean theorem. David Hume’s theory includes the denial of the thesis that extension infinitely divisible. Still, how Hume critiques the idea of infinity is said to be a product of Enlightenment theory of Knowledge. Also the theories of Hume disprove the existence of God in which case most people will definitely disagree and critique and would say inverse that we does not create God but rather God created us. In this case it is certain that many people will be against Hume’s principles and ideology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The problem with Descartes ideas is that he needs the existence of a perfect being in order to be able to have a clear idea of what is infinity. Also the argument of Descartes is a circular argument because he proves the existence of God using the idea of infinity and at the same time his idea of infinity relies on the knowledge of God. The clarity of his ideas is relied on God and God on his ideas. Since Descartes infinity theory relies on the concept of having an infinite and perfect being in our mind, there surely be misconceptions and understanding on the concept since our mind is able to entertain several things that may include fiction or something that is untrue. Greek gods, goddesses as well as super heroes are some of the examples that we entertain in our minds that are far and/or not part of the real world. Also since different person have different views and as well knowledge and understanding, there could be as many interpretations of the word infinity as there are people. And how about those that did not believe in the existence of God? Does that mean that they are not capable of understanding what infinity is? Definitely not and therefore Descartes’ concept of infinity applies to limited people only. The main similarity and difference between Rene Descartes ideas of infinity to that of Hume is that both of them uses the concept of God making their argument. They both use the concept and knowledge of a so-called infinite being in their arguments. Also they are in different and in conflict because Descartes proves the existence of God by using the concept of infinity and Hume do the opposite, disproving the existence of God as disproving the concept of infinity. In Descartes statement, infinity exist although we cannot see it. The mere fact that the idea of infinity is in our minds prove that there really is an infinite being, a God that created all things and that sustains it by his infinite attributes. On the other hand, Hume believes that we cannot comprehend and understand infinity and it therefore there exist no such thing. It can be said that both Descartes and Hume have an idea of what infinity is. Their difference is the idea whether infinity is achievable or not. For Descartes, infinity or God exist although we cannot see it or even imagine it; that basically is infinity. On the other hand, Hume disapprove the concept of infinity saying that since we cannot see or visualize infinity, infinity does not exist and should be replaced by something that exist, something real like time and space. Although the two ideas are conflicting in can be said that they are truly believable and without further and close study of the matter, we may really be misguided. Still, whether we believe Descartes or Hume depends on us, no one will force us to believe someone. What is important is that we really have the basis of our beliefs. Reference Brown, R. G. (2007). God, Dog and Spark. Retrieved December 04, 2007 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.phy.duke.edu/~rgb/Poetry/hot_tea/hot_tea/node31.html Holding, J. P. (No Date). Humaen Understanding. Retrieved December 04, 2007 from http://www.tektonics.org/gk/hume01.html Leahy, J. P. (2000). Infinity and Eternity of the Universe. Retrieved December 04, 2007 from http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~jpl/cosmo/infinity.html

Appeals Process Essay

Many times within a sentencing, an offender is given a certain time to file an appeal within. If they don’t appeal a verdict or decision within 30-days for example, they must wait until the ‘next go-around’ so to speak. Many times a certain amount of time must be served before an appeal can be filed. This can be easily demonstrated in the process an inmate within a prison files an appeal. If he or she serves four-years of a 15-year sentence and files an appeal and follows the appropriate steps to do so, they can still experience the misfortune of having their appeal turned down. If that happens, they are often made to wait another year before they can file another appeal. The decisions from these appeals can be returned fairly quickly or they can take anywhere from a day or two, to a week or more. In the case of a parole board hearing an inmate’s appeal, they often render a decision the same day and within an hour or two from the end of the hearing at the longest. To relate a story, a very close friend of ours is serving time in a correctional facility in the state of Colorado, a sentence and a decision put him there that I firmly disbelieve. He has served six-years of a ten-year sentence and went before the parole board last November. His original sentence is Sexual Misconduct with a Minor. Again, this is a charge that I firmly disbelieve in relation to this specific person, but nonetheless he is serving it. His parole got denied and he filed an appeal, due to the fact that accusations were made regarding his conduct before arrest that weren’t related in the least bit to his original charge. An appeal was filed to contest the parole board’s decision and the accusations made by malicious involvement from former family members. The appeal was shot down and he was told to continue on with his sentence and he would be eligible for parole again in November of 2013. We pray that this one goes better! Appeals can be lengthy and can be costly, but they serve a purpose. It should not be an easy process that these offenders go through in order to be let out. The best and most effective way for improvements to be made in the appeals process is to vary the cost of such procedures. If an offender is Page: 3 esirous to file an appeal, the cost of said appeal should vary depending on the severity of the crime committed. If it was a first-time offense and a non-violent offense that put the offender behind bars, the cost of their appeal should not match that of an appeal from someone who was convicted of a brutal, violent and bloody murder of multiple victims where no remorse was shown at all. Offenders don’t pay these costs themselves, but rather the money to pay for such filings is shelled out by their families. In many cases, these families are suffering enough by having their loved one behind bars in the first place. The family shouldn’t have to suffer a financial drain as well as an emotional drain just because their relative decided to go hog-wild with a machete or some other equally violent crime. When an appeal is filed appropriately, it can also make the process much easier. Another often forgotten fact is that if an appeal is not filed appropriately and proper steps followed, it can often be turned down before it even gets seen by the right people. I feel that part of the process that shows an offender is serious about their appeal, should be to follow every step and every measure laid out before them. If the paperwork telling them how to file instructs them to quack like a duck while wearing yellow and pink polka dotted pants at a Dixie Chicks concert, all while wearing a sign that says ‘I love purple unicorns’ then they should follow that exact process. If they leave out a step, they were not serious enough and need to go back to the drawing board!

The Allegory of the Cave

The Allegory of the Cave How does Plato’s allegory represents the activity of philosophy? 9/23/2010 HZT4Ua Diana MS. The Allegory of the Cave The Allegory of the Cave is a metaphor that can be seen to describe many aspects and situations in life that one had no control or choice over. The reason Plato uses many metaphors in his allegory is to think or ‘philosophize’ about the world around us because in fact our understanding of the world is very limited.This is due to the fact that we live in a world of shadows and not reality to whom very little is actually known about by everyone. The metaphors are seen to actually represent a society with all its people, truths, hidden meanings, problems, solutions etc†¦ The meanings transferred in the allegory of the cave apply to philosophy because it shows the philosophers position in society. It gives the philosopher the opportunity to philosophize/think about what exists/reality and what does not exist in our surround ing environment.To society, the allegory of the cave contemplates many issues related to man in his society. Such issues include human’s ability to be ignorant or knowledgeable, free or imprisoned, stubborn, lazy, active, etc†¦ by choosing either to or not to search for answers to many of the issues that arise continuously. Moreover, The Allegory of the Cave is about ignorance and learning because the men in the cave are ignorant or unaware of the outside world that exists except for the shadows that they saw passing by on the walls.The man who is freed engages in the process of learning from the moment he is released from the cave and is forced to adapt to the new conditions and situations that now surround him. In addition, the chains are used to symbolize the limited amount of information that a person has about reality. For whatever reason, this limited amount of information can be considered to be a type of ignorance.Last but not least, as humans in this world, many of us are really ignorant about many important issues that surround us in or everyday lives. We are unfamiliar of many things in life and are either unaware of it or simply choose not to bother with it. The world that many of us choose to live in is in fact very different from reality itself. However, many of us choose to live in such ignorance or denial when it comes to certain issues and this is due to many factors.

Risk management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Risk management - Essay Example Even it is also consisted of implementation of a program for assessing the effectiveness. Therefore, it can be said that risk management is an ongoing process. There are four ways to deal with the risk. The first method consists of just rejecting the risk hopping that it will be resolved automatically. Accepting the risk and initiating appropriate actions against the risk can be another option. Transfer of the risk is another measure which indicates the acceptance of alternative risk, higher than the reasonable risk. Lastly, to mitigate the risk i.e. to implement the physical, administrative and technical controls in order to reduce the risk is the another way. Risk assessment is a process or examination through which it can be understood that what can be harmful for the workplace and how it can be prevented in advance. It is important because it gives the authority an advanced alert for the risk that may occur in future so that the future accidents can be avoided. Apart from accident, risk assessment is also useful for reducing insurance cost and damages in machineries. This is a part of risk management and can be better understood by the following diagram. The main objective of the risk assessment is to determine the risk associated with a particular asset. In order to assess risk successfully, few more steps have to be followed, firstly the critical information regarding the assets have to be gathered and possible threats attached with the asset should be identified. Then, the vulnerabilities of the threats and possibility of exploitation are assessed. For assessment of risk, quite a few steps have to be taken. At the outset, identification of risk is necessary. The assessor must visit each and every corner of the work place to have a better understanding with the present condition of the plants and equipments attached in it along with the premises. They may also take advice of the employees. Then, it has to be made out that who are the

The Global Environment of Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

The Global Environment of Business - Essay Example He decided to venture into employment as a freelance designer and simultaneously opened a sportswear company that collapsed in less than a year due to financial inefficiencies. He then joined Jordache fashion house as a designer as a blue jeans designer where he was able to meet Murjani. On his part, Mohan Murjani was hansdling a failing business and was in need of a new idea. Although he was one of the main brains behind the blue jeans craze in the 70s, his own venture, the Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans was not doing quite well. He sought Hilfiger to design for his company; the Murjani International. His move was targeted at resurrecting the jeans craze that was once a Phenomenon in the 1970s. Furthermore, he wanted to introduce new clothing designs that were less expensive and with a high appeal to the youthful generation. 1988, Murjani, Hilfiger and two other investors bought out Murjani International due to its financial woes and changed the name to Tommy Hilfiger.They moved their head quarters to Hong Kong due to the business connections of one of the partners in Asia. This business venture clicked and sales begun to come quickly and they eventually joined the New York Stock exchange in 1992 although this came to an end in 2006 as it was privatized by the Apax partner fund in London. Consequently, their headquarters were relocated to the Netherlands. Currently, it is considered to be one of the most successful fashion brands in the world. Its profits are believed to be around the region of $1.8 billion per annum. It is rated as one of the most creative and influential design companies in the modern times. Their logo is considered to be one of the most recognizable in the world. Almost each an every adult can be able to recognize the blue, red and white colors of the logo. For this reason, he has been able to expand his local and international appeal through his ever improving and unique

Luxury Vehicles Are Exported To China Research Paper

Luxury Vehicles Are Exported To China - Research Paper Example This controversial business opportunity has been caused by the fact that the same luxury cars are sold at very different prices in China where customers in china can only get the same cars with almost three times the prices in USA. For instance, as Grossman (para 1) says, a BMW X5xDrvive35i is sold by BMW at an average of $56,025 in USA and the same car sells at $153,176 in China. These big differences in price between the two countries mean that individuals and even companies in the USA can buy a car and ship it to China, sell it at slightly lower price than the amount BMW is selling it in China and make a huge profit of over a hundred percent of what it costs them to buy and ship the car to China. The government has cramped down on this business, in most cases freezing the bank accounts of the people associated with these business. The fact that the buyers involved in this business are not breaking any laws but only taking advantage of a market loophole means that there is nothing that is not legal in what they are doing. Cramping on them and freezing their bank accounts is something that is against the constitution of the United States that gives every citizen maximum liberty. There are firms which have been set up to buy cars from the US Auto dealers and then shipping them from the US to China. To avoid suspicion, the companies train people to be buying the cars for them and them handing over the car to them. An individual is hired and recruited on how to buy the cars from the dealers. As Goldstein (para 28) reports, these recruits are trained so that they can buy the cars on behalf of these firms without raising suspicion. The buyers then walk into a dealership and buy the car they have been instructed to buy, go home with it and stay with it for some time. The person gets paid a few hundred dollars and the company takes the car from them so that they can ship it to the target market. These buyers who act as agents of these

SAM 451 UNIT 5 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SAM 451 UNIT 5 - Assignment Example lso indicates that the cholera occurrences have also been directly hampering tourism in Cuba, which contributed around 2.5 billion to the US economy in 2011 (Orsi, â€Å"US issues advisory for Cuba over cholera cases†). As the report directly indicates the interrelation between cholera cases and tourism development of the Cuban economy, it can be referred as creative statistics. Another statistical report, published in the article titled, â€Å"ACT: Third of high school grads not college ready†, postulates increasing trend of high school graduate students deciphering their unwillingness to go to college. According to the latest survey, it was found that 31% of the students in the US are not ready to go to college, mainly owing to their educational lacunas of learning and applying at the college level. The article further reported that this decline in students’ willingness to go to college, may in future expand the gap between students’ perceptions and abilities with that of the projected job statistics (Elliott, â€Å"ACT: Third of high school grads not college ready†). Hence, imbalances in the US society might be caused owing to fluctuations in the job market, as a consequence of students’ unwillingness to pursue college level studies. This also addresses a creative field of economic development, and thus can be affirmed as a creative statistics illustration. Elliott, Philip. ACT: Third of high school grads not college ready. The Associated Press, 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.

The argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The argument - Essay Example It is also believed that India was one of the few countries which pioneered the consumption of this plant as a tool for recreation and relaxation. The Sadhus and the Gurus who practiced the art of spiritual elevation found this plant to be extremely useful for their purpose. Ancient Hindu text Soma Veda refers to Marijuana as the â€Å"food of the thinking mind.† (ElSohly, Mahmoud) Despite being termed as a life saving drug, there are a number of side effects of this plant because of which the legalization of marijuana has not yet had a concrete stance in the law making process. Marijuana comes from the plant known as Cannabis Sativa. The major psychoactive compound in the plant is known as THC, and this is the element which is responsible for the psychoactive effects in the human mind. The female plant of Cannabis Sativa is consumed by people as it is said to be more potent with THC than the male plant. Marijuana has been used for medicinal as well as recreational purposes. I t influences the human body and mind in many different ways and even has the power of changing the mood to the perception of the human mind for a particular object. It enhances hunger when consumed and can lead to weight loss among those who consume it. It relaxes the muscles and also helps the mind calm down after the THC molecules hit the ‘cannabinoid’ receptors which are present in the human mind. ... The reason is valid as they understand that no matter what the law says, people will still be able to find means to procure Marijuana and consume it for their relaxation purposes. (Iversen, Leslie) However, they fail to understand that in spite of them consuming the plant in such a fashion, it remains a fact that this is not the legal way and they are going beyond the boundaries of law to procure and use this item. This is where the argument of legalizing Marijuana erupts, as those who want to smoke it and want it to be legalized raise their voice. These are the people who say that the boundaries of law have to be stretched to accommodate those societies which have been living on this plant for centuries now. However, there is strong counter argument from the other camp, as they believe that it is a drug and has extremely volatile effects on the human mind and body, and therefore it should never be legalized. The topic is indeed compelling and timely. The argument of legalizing Marij uana will never run out of time. It has been a debate which has been going on for ages now and the whole process of societies opening up to it and accepting it the way they have accepted alcohol will take a lot of time and effort, from those who want to legalize it and also from those who think it is in the right domain to legalize it and let the people decide for themselves. People from all walks of life have indulged in this ecstasy, be it the rock stars, the founding fathers of USA, or the common average man smoking in his courtyard, or the young students in college ready to take on the mantle of their life. It has been used and consumed by every kind of person out there and

Anti bullying Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Anti bullying - Essay Example In order to gain domination over others, bullies use coercion or physical assault, threats or verbal forms of harassment of which they normally direct towards identified ‘soft’ targets whom are likely to offer less resistance to the bullies. According to Lemus, bullies rationalize and justify their behaviors based on their differences with the victims on appearance, gender, class, behavior, religion, race, sexuality, or abilities (23-25). In the writings by Sullivan, he stated that bullying is normally classified into four key categories that include cyber bullying, physical bullying, verbal bullying, and emotional bullying, and when the bullies operate in a group it is termed as mobbing (68-71). According to Hadikin and O’Driscoll, cases of bullying are more rampant at schools where majority of those who are physically strong, have unique capabilities, or come from a financially well-off background, tend to look down upon others whom they perceive as weak targets (78-82). In addition, cases of bullying also exists within the workplace, where in most cases those who are in senior positions tend to show tendency of bullying toward those who are in junior positions. Bullying within schools and at workplaces is termed as peer abuse. This present informative essay is divided into a three part series that begins with the causes of bullying, the effects of bullying, and anti-bullying practices that should be implemented largely in schools. In the studies conducted by Lemus, he stated that bullying is caused by social factors that alter the behavior and attitudes of the bullies who pick on bad behavior of intimidating and harassing other people (32-34). Primarily, Sprung et al. stated that most bullies normally come from dysfunctional homes where they are exposed to violent punishments or regular violence within the household and even uncaring attitudes from their

Investigative Lab proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Investigative Lab proposal - Assignment Example There is no member of my family who has been diagnosed with blood pressure. According to Edward (46), the body absorbs caffeine better in the early morning hours. Therefore, my experiment will be carried out between 7 am and 9 am in the morning. 6 persons, sphygmomanometer, coffee pot , 6 cups, 20 liters of water, Caffeine pills ( 200 mg each), electronic scale, 1000 ml calibrated cylinder, data collection sheet, nontoxic green permanent marker, fan , coolers and heaters. I will randomly select six of the ten members of our family with age between 30 and 50 and who have not been diagnosed with blood pressure. In each of the group of three members, I will ensure there is at least one member of the opposite sex. Using an electronic scale, I will measure each member of the experiment mass just to be sure that their mass falls around the 68 kg mark. I will use the coffee pot to prepare coffee and three cups to put the prepared coffee every day for two weeks. The other three cups will be used to serve regular water to the other group of three members. Using the permanent marker pen, I will put a mark on the small finger of the first three people for easy identification of the persons who will receive coffee treatment in the first one week. The unmarked persons will receive regular water during the first week. Each person will be given 500 ml of regular water and will be allowed to habituate to their new drink for 24 – hours. The calibrated 1000 ml cylinder will come in handy in measuring the 500 ml of regular water. Then, I will prepare the amount of water with caffeine that I will use for the experiment. On average, an adult weighs 68 kgs and the recommended caffeine dosage is 200 mg. Since a cup of coffee contains approximately 200 mg of caffeine, I will administer one cup of coffee every day for seven days for the first three marked persons. 1 hour after taking the coffee treatment, I will use

Coffee in the Philippines Essay Example for Free

Coffee in the Philippines Essay This Euromonitor market report provides market trend and market growth analysis of the Coffee industry in Philippines. With this market report, you’ll be able to explore in detail the changing shape and potential of the industry. You will now be able to plan and build strategy on real industry data and projections. The Coffee in Philippines market research report includes: Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends Detailed segmentation of international and local products Historic volumes and values, company and brand market shares Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth Robust and transparent market research methodology, conducted in-country Our market research reports answer questions such as: What is the market size of Coffee in Philippines? What are the major brands in Philippines? How significant is vending in coffee distribution? How does the increasing nuber of speciality coffee shops impact retail sales of coffee? What are the future prospects for instant 2-in-1 coffee, 3-in-1 coffee and 4-in-1 coffee? How are coffee pods performing in Philippines? Why buy this report? Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions This industry report originates from Passport, our Hot Drinks market research database. Each report is delivered with the following components: Report: PDF and Word Market statistics: Excel workbook SAMPLE ANALYSIS TRENDS Instant coffee mixes continued to gain popularity in both off-trade and on-trade channels in 2010. Rising demand for these products was due to the ease in preparation with minimal time involved, which is highly valued by.

Progressive Insurance Essay Example for Free

Progressive Insurance Essay Teenagers and young adults in today’s time usually have minds of their own. I honestly believe family, friends, and the media all play major parts in their lives and have great influence on them. Most people think that television, cellphones, and social networking are the causes of their corrupt minds, but in all reality every little aspect has influence on them in some way. Television, cellphones, and social networks, better known as â€Å"the media† plays a great influence on teenagers that’s the new trend at this present time, that’s all teenagers know. Even though family and friends are teenager’s biggest support, they feel the need to run to more. Teenagers and young adults honestly feel as if they can be themselves on these sites sad, but very true. You will soon find out that teenagers will open up and express themselves to Facebook, twitter, and instagram before they open up and talk to their parents about life issues they go through. Right now that’s all teenagers really knows to do. Parents do not enforce rules like they use too. Parents do not make it mandatory that the family have dinner together at the family table. Most parents don’t sit down and talk to their children to make sure they’re doing a good job in school. Days now have parents working two jobs because there’s only one parent in the homes. You also have parents on these social websites with their children making them feel as if it’s okay to do some of those things. After observing the masses, the media has the most influence over our teenagers. It’s sad, but it’s definitely true. Parents need to go back and fix these things, and make better examples for their young ones. It’s never too late.

McDonalds Employment Analysis

McDonalds Employment Analysis McDonalds has many employees who are working on different posts and are working hard according to their own capacity. McDonalds conducted job analysis in order to hire new employees at every year that sometimes on quarterly basis. This also enables management to have a better understanding of the jobs and duties being performed at every level and also helps them in training the people who are freshly recruited. JOB ANALYSIS METHOD IN MCDONALDS In job analysis McDonalds focuses on Work Activities and Human Behaviors of an employee for a job. JOBS IN MCDONALDS McDonalds has two types of job openings with their sub openings as listed under: Restaurant Jobs Office Jobs RESTAURANT JOBS In the restaurant jobs, there is a clearly defined career path, from Crew Member to Crew Leader to Floor Manager to Assistant Manager to Restaurant Manager. And from there onwards the opportunities for growth and development are limitless Area Supervisors, Operations Consultant and beyond are just a few to mention from. TRAINEE MANAGER This is an entry level managerial position at McDonalds restaurant, providing opportunity to start and excel the career with the core business functions. Trainee managers handle various areas of professional excellence where sales, people, product safety and security are the minimum areas to be mentioned. CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE This is an exciting career opportunity for the females, responsible to independently organize birthday events various activities at local store level so that the challenging fun activities of the job will gear up the commitment of employees for providing the first class customer services CREW MEMBER Crew Members are the core team members always ready to serve the customers on the floor with a shining smile unique with the services. This job is offered either as a Delivery Rider or a Crew Member. So the fun enthusiasm prospect apart from extensive learning will make employees a key member of the team serving our customers. There are three main areas of responsibility of a crew member: Customer service Food preparation Cleanliness and hygiene OFFICE JOBS Managerial jobs are categorized as Office Jobs in McDonalds. At McDonalds office jobs are an excellent match, provided an employee can exhibit the right skill set up to excel in the areas of his/her Human Resource Management Project expertise. Depending upon the knowledge, experience and right aptitude, there are 3 key entry points in the office jobs INITIAL ENTRY LEVEL This entry level is specifically for beginners to start the career in a professional work culture, these positions will provide the opportunity to develop the skills as a successful business entrepreneur. MIDDLE ENTRY LEVEL As a middle entry level incumbent the incoming employee will perform as a liaison with team members to deliver the team objectives while ensuring the execution of assigned tasks as per defined standards and procedures HIGHER ENTRY LEVEL The higher entry level job incumbents are accountable for the execution of assigned tactics and strategic plan. The provision of leadership approach to work will enhance their sense of ownership and part of the winning team member JOB ANALYSIS METHOD IN MCDONALDS applies the basic methods of Job analysis by which HRM can determine job elements and the essential knowledge, skills and abilities for successful performance methods. MCDONALDS uses the following job analysis methods according to their jobs: Observation Method Interview Method. Questionnaire Method The CREW MEMBERS are like main workers of the McDonalds because they are the one who handle the stage work. McDonalds use direct Observation and Interviewing together Firstly, they observe the work of the crew member note the information as much as they can and then for further assistance ask the crewmembers about the detail of their work. For CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVES McDonalds follow the similar interview technique where they ask the employà ©es that what they feel when they work in this fun environment, how they manage all the work and satisfy the kids and their parents. For the  MANAGERIAL JOBS, McDonalds use the Questionnaire and Interview Method. They prepare a structured Questionnaire in which they ask employees about their jobs, purpose, education required for the job, experience or other key factors. Whereas, in Interviewing they further collect the information related to job directly from employees. JOB DESCRIPTION The job analysis is used to generate a job description, which defines the duties of each task, and other responsibilities of the position. The description covers the various task requirements, such as mental or physical activities; working conditions and job hazards. JOB DESCRIPTION AS PER JOBS McDonalds represent its Job Description as Category Profile and Individual Competencies OFFICE JOBS For office jobs Job Description is named as Category ProfileI. INITIAL ENTRY LEVEL: Strong focus towards learning and adapting to the corporate environment A real interest in how people drive business Positive work attitude with the ability to lead challenging roles responsibilities exposing good confidence level for delivering responsibilities at outstanding level Innovative approach for initiating change at different levels Strong communication skills to act as a liaison between stakeholders and team leaders MIDDLE ENTRY LEVEL: Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. Effective negotiation problem solving skills The ability to see the big picture while delivering organizational goals RESTAURANT JOBS For restaurant jobs the Job description is written as Individual Competencies1. TRAINEE MANAGER: Effective communication skills able to work in a team environment Proactive to exhibit true managerial capability Career oriented with focus on continuous learning Flexibility to adapt to a diversified work culture JOB SPECIFICATION The job specification describes the person expected to fill a job. It details the knowledge (both educational and experiential), qualities, skills and abilities needed to perform the job satisfactorily. The job specification provides a standard against what to measure; how well an applicant matches a job opening and it should be used as the basis for recruiting. JOB SPECIFICATIONS AS PER JOB In McDonalds the Job specification is written under heading known as Profile and Competency Level. OFFICE JOBS In office jobs it is known as COMPETENCY LEVEL INITIAL ENTRY LEVEL: Education: Graduate or Post Graduate degree holders Experience: No prior experience is required for this entry position Age: 22 28 years maximum Gender: Male or Female MIDDLE ENTRY LEVEL: Education: Post Graduate degree holders with relevant area of specialization Experience: 3-5 years of experience in the relevant field Age: 25 32 years maximum Gender: Male or Female HIGHER ENTRY LEVEL Education: Specialized degree in the relevant field with professional certification Experience: 5 years or beyond Age: 30 35 years maximum Gender: Male or Female RESTURANT JOBS: Job Specification is represented by Profile in McDonalds. TRAINEE MANGER Qualification: Post Graduate Degree in any discipline Experience: Fresh candidates with no prior experience Age: 28 years maximum Gender: Male or Female CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE Qualification: Graduate Degree in any discipline Experience: Fresh candidates with no prior experience Age: 24 years maximum Gender: Females only CREW MEMBER Age: 18-25 years Gender: Male or Female

Reggio Emillia and the Approach Essay -- Education, Te Whariki

Origin from a city in the north of Italy, the Reggio Emilia approach in Early Childhood Education is adopted by multi-countries over the past decades. This approach has a core philosophy, that children should play a leading role in education. Children are seen as full of knowledge and intelligence, with full capabilities to express themselves if only given the proper ways to do to so. They are protagonists of their own learning and have a say in what topics and problems they will study and research. Teachers provide resources to assistant children’s learning and developing. The curriculum is emergent, meaning the teachers choose topics and projects based on careful listening and observations of their student’s interests, needs and inquiries. Children are encouraged to use materials and media to demonstrate their learning and understanding of a topic or project. Documentations and environment have direct influences in helping children’s learning. Parents and comm unity also play a supportive role in children education (O.E.C.D, 2004). Te Whá ¾ ±riki is the New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, which was developed in 1996. Compared with Reggio Emilia Approach, they have similarities as focus on children’s interests; develop children’s learning though interacting in relationship with others, emphasise the importance of environment and adults’ active responding. They also differ in many ways, such as teacher’s role, culture background and documentation and Assessment. Community and parent support is considered a valuable and vital part of the Reggio Emilia system. The exchange of ideas between parents and teachers is essential and favours the development of a new way of educating. The approach encourages interaction and communic... ...both approach emphasis on Family and Community. The wider world of family and community is an integral part of the early childhood curriculum Te Whá ¾ ±riki (1996). It also states that inclusion and support of parents and the connections with the community is important to the children’s learning process. Moreover Te Whá ¾ ±riki states that â€Å"Parents and caregivers have a wealth of valuable information and understandings regarding their children† (30). Thirdly both approach focus on educators to provide encouragement, warmth, and acceptance. They also provide challenges for creative and complex learning and thinking, helping children to extend their ideas and actions through sensitive, informed, well-judged interventions and support. Te Whá ¾ ±riki principles points out â€Å"children learn through responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places and things† (p. 14).

Rudyard Kiplings Captains Courageous Essay -- Rudyard Kipling Captain

Rudyard Kipling's Captains Courageous Captains Courageous, by Rudyard Kipling, was referred to as a children’s nautical adventure story, but it has entertained audiences for generations. The main character in the story was Harvey Cheyne. Harvey is the son of a millionaire and a snobbish little brat. He acts pretty big around the crew of the ship he was aboard. The next important character is Manuel. Manuel is a Portuguese boy about Harvey’s age, which by the way is in his pre to mid teens. Manuel’s dialogue helps add to a bit of comic relief. The next character is Dan. Dan is around Harvey’s age as well. Dan is the son of Disko Troop, the Captain of the We’re Here. Speaking of Disko Troop, he is an honorable man who runs his ship well. He is very set in his ways. Throughout the story there were other characters that are referred to such as the cook, and some others. At one time, I felt that Harvey would try to abandon ship, but instead he did not, and did something almost completely opposite. Throughout the story, the major action and story takes place aboard the We’re Here. The setting sets the tone for a true nautical story. The relationship between Dan and his father is textbook. Disko Troop is pretty set in his ways and all that, while Dan follows instructions, but still leaves room to think and dream. The theme seems to relate to our class, in that I feel that the overall theme was change and maturing. It seems that if there were a...

Family Planning Will Prevent Child Abuse :: Prevenintg Child Abuse

Child abuse is one of the biggest problems facing America today. Children whose parents abuse them often turn to a life of crime, or suffer physical or mental scars. In severe cases the child may even die. In Saint Louis a boy was attacked by a pack of dogs, after he had finished playing basketball at the local court. If his mother had reported him missing he may have been found in time to rescue him, instead he bled to death under a tree. (Davis 3A) Of course this is an extreme case of child abuse, and it is often not this severe. The best way to prevent child neglect is to start family planning at an earlier age. It is tough for many people to understand why anyone would abuse a child, but it happens more than people think. Intergenerational transmission of violence is a major cause of child abuse. Children who were abused when they were young are more likely to be abusive when they grow up and have children. (Compton?s 1) Some studies have shown that thirty percent of abused children grow up to be abusive parents. Children who were not abused and grow up to have children are much less likely to be abusive parents, only two to three percent of people will be abusive. (Child Abuse and Neglect 1) People would tend to question why a child who knows how hard it was when they were young would grow up and do this to their child. Children grow up thinking that everything their parents do is right. The problem is when these children are abused they don?t often learn that it is the wrong thing to do, and will be more likely to abuse their children. (Compton?s 1) Stress can be a cause of child abuse as well. Parents who don?t know how to handle stress will often lash out, and become abusive to their children. Stress can be brought on from a variety of places. Common stress factors are unemployment, illness, drug abuse, poor housing, larger than average family size, death, or the presence of a new baby. (Compton?s 1) A large number of cases of child abuse come from families living in poverty, poverty can cause or result of any one of the most common stress factors. (Child Abuse and Neglect 2) When people are under stress they often will lash out at their kids for the littlest incident, if this happens too much they may start to physically abuse their kids.

“Hunters in the Snow” by Tobias Wolff Essay

In many walks of life, people believe that humanity is one with nature ranging from plants to animals, and when the outer shell dies, the spirits that were within them become abstract images of individual creatures. We have the same instinct as animal just a few adaptation and the ability to reason. In the short story â€Å"Hunters in the Snow† by Tobias Wolff, the use of symbolism and imagery to show contradistinction between humanity and the natural world. Wolff brings such a correlation between being human and also being a beast that it’s difficult to differentiate which one is who. Tobias is consistently showing the true nature of Tub, Kenny and Frank by relating them to hunting deer, but hunting the secrets that they concealed within themselves. Tobias makes claims to the sensitive nature of man by trepidation that fills a void in the three characters. â€Å"In Hunter’s in the snow,† Wolff is indirectly elucidating the symbolism between Tub, Kenny, an d Frank with their snowy environment, showing how tyrannical they have become and the symbolism of the deer. The first brush of snow is sweeping the landscape. The deep dark clouds and brisk winds stabbing Tub coat. The ground painted with the circles of footsteps as cars pass by like a shooting star. â€Å"Tub had been waiting for an hour in the falling snow.† Tobias Wolff (page) Tub, the first character, is the most soft-spoken of the trio. He was much heavier than Kenny and Frank but kinder at heart. In retrospect to Tub, the first line of the story gives evidence to his demeanor, showing an explicit representation of Tub’s personality; like the falling of the snow, he is very soft, and fluffy in appearance. Wolff also gives the illusion of the hunters as they try and hunt for deer, but the deer symbolizing the truth that’s within themselves. â€Å"He paced the sidewalk to keep warm and stuck his head out over the curb whenever he saw lights approaching.† (page) Wolff drew a connection with Tub as a deer pacing the snowy covered ground poking his head out like a deer in a sniper scoop. â€Å"The snow was light but the drifts were deep and hard to move through.† (page) Tub noticed the smooth, undisturbed snow to bring the deception of himself and the struggle  he goes through with his weight. Kenny helps create these deep drifts by targeting Tub, which hindered him from overcoming his low s elf-esteem, but Tub mentally has to push through. Wolff then makes the exact nature of the guilt inside of Tub transparent. Wolff shows how effortlessly Kenny and Frank were walking upon the snow while Tub strenuously tried to keep up but kept sinking in the soft snow. Tub surrendered to the snow, sits down and began to forego on the things that’s eating him inside. The snow is changing in size. The sky is getting darker by the minute. The wind is increasing in intensity. The footprint of deer disappears as their animal instinct begins to make way. Kenny is the leader of the pack and is the bitter cold winter himself with a frozen heart and a crystal core. As they hiked deeper into the woods, Kenny attitude progressively became as thick as the snowy landscape. Kenny first taunted an old dog, shot a post, then a tree and then the old dog dead center in the eye. Like a hurricane, peace lies in the center of the eye. â€Å"The clouds were low and heavy-looking and the wind blew in shrill gusts. There was a screen loose on the house, and it banged slowly and then quickly as the wind rose again.† Kenny then turned to Tub. â€Å"I hate you† (page) Tub with no hesitation shoots Kenny from the waist throwing him against the fence. The events of the snow picking up showed the growing tension in the story, the clouds low and heavy-looking described Tub and the position of the rifle. The banging of the screen door simulated the gunshot that hit Kenny in the stomach. The pellucid event had turned the tables around. The snow starts to breaks; the wind started to whisper, and the lifeless snow became white. Kenney the cold harden anarchy began to subdue slowly to his frozen soul as the freezing winds covered his body spilling not red but a bluish blood on the crimson ice. Wolff, prudently shows that the deer and Kenny, at the tavern, they stopped to warm up with the other group of deerstalkers. Kenny tied to a post, covered with the warmth of his blood waiting to be nailed to the wall like the brothers that are there. Tub and Frank pay little care to the severity of his situation. An iceberg, floating peacefully only showing the outer nature of his stability. The water is slowly breaking down the composites leaving way to the truth inside. Frank representing an iceberg, through all the shooting he stood still, as if in shock of what he sees. He gives the outward app earance of an ordinary guy tagging along to whomever more favored or had the  authority. Like an iceberg, his actual intention lies beneath the skin; flaky like the snow on their clothes. â€Å"The snowfall lightened, and the clouds began to roll back off the fields, but it was no warmer and after a time both Frank and Tub were bitten through and shaking.†(page) The tension between the friends died down like the wind, but the coldness was still prevalent because they were aloof to Kenny situation. Frank who has a wife and kids seem to have a good family but holds a dark secret. The story goes deep into the imagery of the snowy environment, and the deer only to reveal the deepest secret frank is in love with his fifteen-year-old babysitter. In this incredible piece that show claim to the true nature of the humanity and how uncaring and ruthless society can become. Within this short story, â€Å"Hunters in the Snow,† the relationship of the men corresponds with the snow and as tensions builds, so does the weather. Wolff creates this magical illusion tying us to a winter storm and how certain winter objects we can be related to. The symbol of a deer that re present life and death but also shows the hunters Tub, Kenny and Frank what’s is hunting them inside. Word Cited â€Å"Hunters in the Snow–Tobias Wolff – Classic Short S.† Insert Name of Site in Italics. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014 .

HR Management-Compensation Essay

The dedicated importance given to compensation management by HR managers for recruiting and selecting intellectual capitals of the organization, yields higher prospective benefits of captivating good workforce. So, same is the situation confronted with this particular given case, in which human resource manager is required to hire Shannon Albright, who is having strong educational, professional and experienced background in finance department. In order to hire her as a financial accountant, manager has prepared a descent proposal in regard of compensation package by considering internal and external equities, which are matched accordingly with organization’s requirement and resources. Compensation Management Employees are no longer bounded with the concept of labor who works only for pay. Now, they are considered as the intellectual capital of the organization. The more, organization is willing to invest for the work done by its employees, the more it earns the profit. It does require well management of compensating employees against their services, abilities, skills, etc. endered to the organization through salary packages, incentive plans, and other benefits. In order to compensate the employees, organization generally follows a philosophy. This compensation philosophy not only deals with the single factor of just pay only. But in fact it defines the fixed pay of an employee which is in accordance with the labor market, it defines the variable pay which depends on the employee’ performance and other overall benefits, which include medical care, life and accident insurance, and retirement pay plan that the employee will get after recruitment in the organization. The organization whose compensation management is fine tuned with respect to company’s budget, internal and external equities of base pay structure are well balanced can have a competitive edge over its competitors in the market because it results in low employee turnover ratio and the human resource of the organization will work with boosted motivation of being secured in their current position. It also helps to grab efficient workforce from the market who are considered as good market player. Hence, if the given case is concerned, the HR manager needs to hire an employee named as Shannon Albright as a financial accountant for its organization, for whom he thinks as a best choice for this position. So, before recruiting her, he has to plan a descent salary package, incentive plan and other benefits that will be offered to her in order to make her accept this proposal. Compensation Package  The compensation package for her would be in accordance with the salary survey research of Boston, MA. Hence according to the salary survey research, the financial accountant is getting base pay of $79,090, $5,140 as bonus and $12,021 other benefits, that makes the overall compensation package of $96,251 annually on average (Salary expert, website). Based on this salary data, the HR manager has to offer some attractive offer so that Shannon’s demands regarding her compensation package are fulfilled. Hence, considering the external equity, manager needs to ponder on the internal equity as well because if it is not concerned it will demoralize the other employees of the organization if the new employee is getting more than its job’s worth as per the organization and it can effect negatively on the new employee when he/she is getting less as per pay structure of the organization which is paying more to other employee but paying less to newer ones. If this case is taken under consideration, than for Shannon, HR manager should offer her little bit more than the average salary of the Boston’s business market, and that is about $100,000 total annual salary, which consist of $75,000 as base salary, $12,000 as performance based incentive bonus and $13,000 as overall benefits given to her by the company. The total salary is also in accordance with company’s budget because of their growing business operations, an efficient financial accountant was necessary to induct. Due to the absence of this post in the organization, there were many delays in their operations with respect to finance, which were resulting in considerable loss to organization on behalf of finance department; therefore, this loss will be covered by recruiting her into the organization. As far as internal equity is concerned, organization’s most of the salary packages are in accordance with market salary packages. Hence, in this way Shannon’s salary is in accordance with external as well as internal equity. Incentive Plan  When the organization targets for specific position and post and there is less number of specialists for that position than organization needs to develop an incentive plan which helps to retain existing employees, and attract new employees to the organization. The incentive plan is generally developed to recruit such employees whose supply is less but demand is more and it also helps to boost the morale of existing employee to perform better because incentives are directly proportional to the performance appraisal of the employees. In this case, HR manager has to develop an incentive plan to recruit Shannon into the organization. The incentive plan consists of incentive options. Although, more than above average of the bonus salary is sanctioned to Shannon according to salary data, therefore theses options will make her achieve that bonus. These options include sign on bonus, project based incentive, compensatory leave, and annual leave (HRM manual, 2000). Sign on bonus consists of $5000 written agreement between organization and Shannon, that by accepting this offer, organization will give her this much amount at the end of the year of her joining. Later on, this payment will be included in project based incentive, which will be given to her on completion of successful project at the end of fiscal year, but for the first year of her joining that amount is not more than $7000. Similarly, she will be given compensatory leaves for doing extra work and that leaves will be given to her whenever she desires. In a year, she will be having one month leaves and that will be her annual leave incentive option. Benefits Plan As per existing policy of the company she will be offered other benefits as well which are mainly focused on health and welfare of an employee. The specific portion of the total salary consists of benefits plan, which is aligned to give above mentioned benefits to her. The welfare and health benefit plan include retirement plan, saving plan, medical insurance, dental insurance, etc. (ConocoPhillips, website). A specific portion of funds will be allocated to above mentioned benefits plan. This is the investment that will be done by the company itself for Shannon. Conclusion In a gist, an efficient compensation management by HR manager produces a unique competitive advantage over its competitors because if organization is not doing well on its part with respect to development of its human resource, it won’t be able to collect good intellectuals in its organization. An organization with strong and efficient workforce can achieve remarkable goals even with limited resources and capabilities. In this regard, the management must accelerate their generosity in giving good compensation packages.

History of Fashion

OVERVIEW The Ancient Middle East: 3500-600 B. C. Mens: Aprons worn as a separate item that cover the gential area and are worn over a skirt or some other garment, or over a loincloth and under a skirt. As being made of one or more pieces of cloth attached to a belt, sash, or band that fastens around the waist. 1470 – 11th century B. C. Womens: Tunic is any of several types of garment for the body, usually simple in style, reaching from the shoulders to a length somewhere between the hips and the ankles.The earliest tunics seem to have been made out of linen and that in some areas tunics first appeared just after wool came into use. 2500 – 1000 B. C. The Etruria and Rome: 800 B. C. –A. D. 400 Mens: Paludamentum was generally crimson, scarlet, or purple in color or sometimes white. It was fastened at the shoulder with a clasp, putting on the paludamentum was a ceremonial act on setting out for war. C. 800-200 B. C. Modern Influences: Versace, etc. Womens: Himation was a type of clothing in ancient Greece. It was usually worn over a chiton, but was made of heavier drape and played the role of a cloak.The himation continued into the Byzantine era, especially as iconographic dress for Christ and other figures from Biblical times, although it appears still to have been worn in real life. C. 800-200 B. C. Modern influences: San Patrick, etc. Conclusion In turn of this project, I really enjoyed it because I choose two style of ancient clothing I love; Rome and Egypt. The tunic is the basic style of clothing that’s very versatile that can be made worn by men, women and children. I like that when Rome gave the tunic an extra edge by either added silk and meaning to wearing it in certain ways like for higher class to the poor and giving omen a certain look when they’re wedded. The paludamentum was my second favorite because I love the gladiator war style look that brings to the masculinity of the man. The modern influence of Versace grea tly brought that back when it was disappearing from the world. The two other pieces I choice were just stand by choices that I feel that can greatly complement each of the other garments. References Tunic, Apron, and Himation Definition: http://digitalbookshelf. artinstitutes. edu/#/books/978-1-60901-215-1 Paludamentum Definition: http://ancienthistory. about. com/od/clothing/g/011011-Paludamentum. htm Photos: http://symbolankh. evhub. com/img/upload/c-hm-thutmose-shadow. jpg http://www. fibre2fashion. com/industry-article/17/1615/contemporary-fashion-from-the-land-of-pharaohs3. asp http://www. versace. com/en/women-fashion-and-accessories/ss-13/fashion-show-collection http://www. weddinginspirasi. com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/2010_san_patrick_wedding. jpg http://www. fashion-era. com/images/100_bc_ALLancient_history/bwlotus. jpg http://karenswhimsy. com/public-domain-images/ancient-roman-army/images/ancient-roman-army-4. jpg http://www. shutterstock. com/pic-46840795/stock-photo- neo-classical-women-like-goddess-in-roman-clothing. html

The Implementation Of Relationship Sexuality Education Education Essay

IntroductionThe focal point of this survey is to look into what factors impact on the execution of Relationship Sexuality Education ( RSE ) in the school scene. This survey was created to foreground pupil ‘s positions on the how RSE is taught in the category room and what impact the instructor has on the subjects being taught in relation to the cognition base of the pupils. The research worker will get down this probe by sketchingâ€Å" Probe of factors which impact on the successful ( or non ) instruction and execution of RSE in the context of SPHE †Literature reappraisalIn April ( 2000 ) the section of Education and scientific discipline approved the junior rhythm ( SPHE ) Syllabus, Schools were advised that Social Physical Health Education must be formed as a portion of the nucleus course of study of the junior rhythm. Harmonizing to the section of instruction and scientific discipline ( 2001 ) this topic is to supply students with chances to advance the personal development, wellness and wellbeing of the kid and to assist the kid create and keep supportive relationships which will enable them to go active and responsible citizens in society. The SPHE programme is made up of 10 faculties. One of these faculties is Relationship Sexuality Education ( RSE ) . Sex instruction in Ireland today is delivered through this faculty in schools up to junior certification. Harmonizing to Davidson ( 1996 ) sex instruction has been traditionally a harm restriction exercising. Educational programmes mentioning to sex can be associated with the debatable facets of sexual behavior. This can be seen for illustration on the accent on the hazard of adolescent gestation and sexually familial infections ( STI ‘S ) . These are highly of import but it is besides of import to advance the normative facets of people ‘s sexual behavior and activity. Morgan ( 2000 ) states that High quality sex instruction is indispensable to enable immature people to understand their ain development and to fix for picks and duties in their life.Introduction of RSE in IrelandCompared to other European states the debut gender instruction in schools is recent. The acknowledgment of the demand for RSE can be linked to a figure of developments and events that took topographic point during the 1980 ‘s and 1990 ‘s. The spread of HIV and AIDS was a major factor that was seen to convey approximately more public consciousness of sexually transmitted infections and besides the function the authorities took in seeking to battle these issues. In peculiar the Aids epidemic highlighted how of import discoursing sexual behavior is in a scope of scenes including schools. Equally good as that kid sexual maltreatment disclosures perceptibly rose between 1980 and 1988 ( Mckeoen & A ; Gilligan, 1988 ) . With this the concern of the wellness boards led to the development of an instruction programme ‘stay safe ‘ which was introduced into primary schools in 1991. This type of instruction was seen to hold many jobs as the instruction system in Ireland was largely dominated by the Catholic Church. The place that the Catholic hierarchy ‘s held was that parents need the aid and support of schools with educating their kids about sex. They had the position that school based gender instruction should follow a policy that reflects the schools nucleus values and ethos and that kids must be told the truth as defined by the Catholic Church ( Inglis,1998 ) .Aim of RSEThe purpose of RSE programme in Ireland is harmonizing to policy guidelines â€Å" Get a cognition and apprehension of human relationships and gender through procedures which will enable them to organize values and set up behaviors within a moral, religious and societal model. † Department of Education and Science ( 1997 ; 4 ) Each instructor is provided with stuffs to help the instruction of RSE. This provides the instructor with a broad scope of options with relation to instruction and presenting the RSE programme. There are factors that influence how these stuffs are used. For illustration: the school policy on RSE. RSE includes a broad scope of subjects appropriate to differing age groups and school old ages. But harmonizing to the policies mentioned above it is at the discretion of the school at which these subjects are delivered.Experience of sex EducationHarmonizing to a study published by the Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships ( 2006 ) reception of sex instruction and the content of this instruction may be a important influence on a individual ‘s degree of sexual cognition. A study carried out in the above study by the ISSHR found that 53 % of work forces and 60 % of adult females reported holding received sex instruction. The debut of RSE was non introduced into Irish schools until 1997. The debut of this programme is the primary ground why the proportion of people who have received sex instruction is highest among people under 25. ISSHR ( 2006 ) study found that most people who received sex instruction did so in school. School has become the prevailing beginning among younger age groups.ResearchIn looking at the study By the ISSHR merely over half of those persons who reported having sex instruction said this was ‘helpful ‘ or ‘very helpful ‘ in fixing them for grownup relationships. Overall, more adult females ( 54 % ) than work forces ( 49 % ) who had received sex instruction reported that this was helpful. Under-25s were significantly more likely than all older groups to describe that their sex instruction was helpful. Even among the youngest age group, 42 % of work forces and 34 % of adult females found their sex instruction ‘unhelpful ‘ . The authorities through the Department of Education and scientific discipline undergoes an review on the SPHE programme bringing in secondary schools by measuring the quality of instruction and acquisition in SPHE category. One barrier to the effectual execution as expressed in the study on RSE ( 2007 ) is that of the position of SPHE in schools. This study found that SPHE struggled to derive acknowledgment. A concern that was expressed in set abouting this survey was the inclination for some instructors to exclude or disregard the RSE faculty due to the degree of uncomfortableness that they feel. Besides the study noted that some instructors viewed the topic as an add-on or a Department of State.DecisionIn looking at the purpose of RSE as set by the section of instruction is to â€Å" get a cognition and apprehension of human relationships and gender. † RSE besides encourages treatment and contemplation and to supply an apprehension of one ‘s ain gender and all that goe s with it. The research suggests that because policies are left up to the schools ain enterprise that schools may be go forthing out certain subjects. This may be due to the position of the SPHE programme within the school. Because it is left up to the discretion of the school the criterion of instruction and degrees of cognition of the pupils may be questionable. How does this impact on pupils? Due to it being left up to the school as to what subjects are being taught the pupil ‘s degree of cognition may be different across all schools. Besides another barrier to efficient SPHE instruction is that some instructors learning the topic feel uncomfortable in certain subjects. Does this impact on the procedure of learning RSE? Levels of comfort in learning the subject may impact on the content being taught and besides how the pupils engage with the instructor and the content of RSE. Is it the content of RSE that impacts on the pupils or is it besides the procedure of learning the topic that predominately impacts on the pupils?RationaleIreland has seen altering attitudes and behaviors in a delayed sexual revolution during this the twenty-first century. A study conducted by the ISSHR ( 2009 ) has found that 90 % of people support sexual instruction for immature people. The legal age of one ‘s first sexual experience has fallen in recent old ages for both adolescent male childs and misss from 20 to 18 for misss and 19 to 17 for male childs. Due to the altering attitudes of people presents towards sex RSE has been implemented in schools throughout the state. Every school must hold a set of guidelines that include RSE and its execution, harmonizing to the guidelines set by the section of instruction ( REF ) this should reflect the ethos of the school. The utility of this policy can be questioned and it is n't clear of its effectivity on students. However, what is known is that the criterion of bringing across all schools may differ. What factors influence this? The probe into the factors that impact on the successful ( or non ) instruction and execution of RSE came from my ain experience of having RSE instruction. In researching this subject I found that there is non a standardized degree of execution. This interested me as I had a really positive experience and shortly realised that it is non the same for everyone. On contemplation of treatments with my lector I realised that it was the procedure that may impact on the pupil ‘s degree of cognition of RSE. For me and my experience it was about prosecuting with the instructor. It ‘s non merely the programme but how the instructor teaches the subject and how the instructor engages with pupils. This is why this subject for survey was chosen to assist inform instructors to better on their ain RSE category and to demo that it ‘s non merely the content of the programme but it ‘s the procedure of learning the subject. In the study on RSE ( 2007 ) it was found that professionals from both wellness and instruction sectors at both regional degree expressed uncertainty about the quality of RSE bringing across many schools. In this study attending was brought to disagreements in how RSE is prioritised and taught. It is known that for effectual execution proper instructor preparation is needed to develop the personal accomplishments of the instructor when diging into an issue which has become progressively of import in today ‘s society. It has been highlighted and harmonizing to policy guidelines ( Department of instruction, 1997 ) a instructor ‘s degree of comfort when learning RSE is critical in the full execution of the programme. What is non known is how this impacts on pupils?MethodologyIntroductionIn this subdivision the research worker is traveling to sketch the research attack that will be taken for the proposed survey and the design that will be used. The research worker will so ske tch the methods and tools of the proposed survey. Such as: instruments that will be used, the samples that will be used in the research, restrictions and boundary lines and besides ethical considerations that may originate when transporting out this piece of research.Purposes and Aims:Aim of this research is to look into factors which impact on instruction of RSE which is in the context of SPHE. In look intoing this subject the research worker aims to see what degree of cognition the pupils obtain in having RSE in the school scene. The writer aims to see what barriers may impact on successful instruction of RSE and overall to look into if it is the procedure of learning RSE instead than the content of the lesson which impacts on the pupils.Position:The research worker is taking an epistemic attack in footings of post-positivism. Post positivism is an epistemic place that promotes the application of the methods of the natural scientific disciplines to the survey of the societal world ( Grix, 2004 ) . Research paradigms are based on our apprehension of what we know about something and how we might garner information and cognition about it. There are three wide paradigms in which a paradigm refers to a form, Post-positivism lies between rationalist and interpretivist. Positivism and post-positivism are seen to portion a realist. The term pragmatism describes the paradigm between positivism and interpretivisim, which is a foundationalist epistemology. Positivism leans towards empirical pragmatism and post-positivism is interested in tilting towards critical paradigms. The research worker ‘s place in this piece of research is post-positivism. Post- positivism can be seen to stand for the traditional signifier of research and these premises harmonizing to Creswell ( 2009 ) keep true more for quantitative research than qualitative research. Harmonizing to Creswell ( 2009 ) post-positivists hold a deterministic doctrine in which causes likely determine effects or results. In the writers piece of research the writer will take to place the factors that influence learning RSE and measure the results in footings of positions on the RSE programme and cognition base of the pupils. â€Å" The cognition that develops through station rationalist lens is based on nonsubjective world that exists out at that place in the universe † Creswell ( 2009 ) By developing a study to mensurate the impact of factors that positively or negatively impact on bringing of RSE this is overriding for post-positivism because post-positivism sometimes trades with analyzing the behavior of persons. Harmonizing to Bowling and Ebrahim ( 2005 ) quantitative research is appropriate:â€Å" in state of affairss where there is pre bing cognition about the phenomena of involvement which permits the usage of standardized methods of informations, aggregation, such as the study. †Research designIn carry oning this proposed piece of research a study design will be undertaken. In utilizing this design a quantitative attack will be used. The most common quantitative methods are studies, documental methods and observation and experiments. The quantitative method ensures accuracy dependability and cogency. Sarantakos ( 2005 ) showed the intent of quantitative is to demo variables and to bring forth figures which will in bend allow opinions as to the position of the variables in inquiry, because the research worker is utilizing a study this will let the research worker to summarize huge sums of information. In utilizing a study Creswell ( 2009 ) states that it provides a quantitative or a numeral description of tendencies, attitudes or sentiments of a population by analyzing a sample of that population. The research worker will take to utilize a cross sectional study in footings of a questionnaire to administer to four secondary schools. Cross sectional study was chosen as to roll up informations at one point in clip.Methods/Tools and AnalysisThe research method that was chosen is quantitative. Quantitative attack was chiefly chosen because the writer wants to analyze the positions of the mark group which is passage twelvemonth pupils. A Quantitative survey is seen to supply attitudes and sentiments of the population by analyzing a sample of the mark group in inquiry. Due to the survey being on a little graduated table this mark group c an non be generalised to all secondary schools. Method of roll uping informations that will be used will be a study in the signifier of a questionnaire. The writer will utilize both closed and opened ended inquiries as to give the writer a more informed position. In taking a study the research worker will be utilizing a cross sectional design with the informations collected at one point in clip. The ground for taking a study as opposed to other methods is so the research worker could roll up big sums of informations at one point in clip and by taking a cross sectional design it allows the research worker to roll up all informations together go forthing the research worker with sufficient sum clip to analyze the information. The population that was chosen is transition twelvemonth pupils from the ages of 15-16 old ages of age. The research worker felt that this was the best age group as the subject in inquiry is merely taught up to junior cert degree the pupils. This peculiar group would hold experienced the category for three old ages which is compulsory in all schools in the state ( Department of instruction and scientific discipline 2000 ) . The ground for these specific schools is because the first school the research worker attended and that is where the involvement of the subject originated. The ground for the limited figure of schools is chiefly based on clip restraints. Give the clip for choosing the subject and researching it at that place remained limited clip. The research worker felt that by merely choosing four secondary schools it will give a general position of the positions and sentiments of the pupils in relation to the inquiry being asked. This will let the writer to analyze the informa tion in the clip provided for completion.TimelineThe writer in researching this subject has six months in which to finish this piece of research. First the research worker chose a subject of involvement and began to read about the subject. After this the research worker began to oppugn the subject of research this lead to the inquiry being asked. The ground for this piece of research is to happen out what factors impact on the instruction of RSE and necessarily is it the procedure of instruction or is the content that impacts on the pupils.TimeProcedure8 hebdomads Research of topic completion of Literature reappraisal 2 hebdomads Researching of inquiry for analyse 1 hebdomad Research of methods of transporting out questionnaires 1 hebdomad First bill of exchange of questionnaire 1week Second bill of exchange of questionnaire 1 twenty-four hours Reaching administrations for permission to administer questionnaires 4 yearss Personal distribution of questionnaires, Collection of questionnaires on the same twenty-four hours. 4 hebdomads Writing up of research attack and design 2 hebdomads Analyse of informations 2 hebdomads Writing up of methods and tools used 1 hebdomad Writing up ethical considerations 1 hebdomad Proof reading In finishing this piece of research in a six months timeframe the research worker feels that this is sufficient clip. Besides the college twelvemonth is spread over from the center of September to the terminal of May. In finishing this piece of research by April 2011 it gives the research worker clip for analyzing the information. Exams begin in May and the research worker could non finish this piece of research during the summer as all secondary schools will be on summer vacations get downing the terminal of May so the distribution of questionnaires would be impossible.Dependability and cogencyDependability refers to if the survey was carried out at one point in clip and it was done once more at another clip so it would demo the same consequences once more and once more. The research instrument plays a critical function because if there is any fluctuation in the research instrument this may ensue in giving one set of consequences at one clip and a different set of consequences at an other juncture when there has been no existent alterations in the subject and points that are being measured. In utilizing dependable instruments it leads to the same consequences collected once more and once more and any differences in consequences collected through utilizing the instruments is wholly down to differences in things being measured. By taking a sample of a little size and a mix of different schools which would hold different ways in which they teach RSE the research worker would trust that this would do the consequences dependable. Cogency refers to the term that the methods that will be used are valid. In footings of research informations that will be collected in transporting out this research the informations collected should reflect the truth and besides reflect world. In utilizing questionnaires that will be filled out during category clip these are confidential and the participants would experience confident in replying the inquiries more candidly. This would in tend that the consequences of the questionnaire would more likely be valid.Sample participantsIn taking participants the research worker chose random sampling. A list of secondary schools in a West Cork country was complied and it consisted of four secondary schools. The ground the research worker chose random sampling is because it involves choosing participants at random and may ensue in the sample stand foring a cross subdivision of a whole. In relation to this subject of survey the research worker feels that to include immense Numberss of participants is n't executable because the writer does non hold adequate clip to reach all the secondary schools in the state to transport out this piece of research. To transport out this piece of research the research worker chose graded sampling. By using boundaries to the procedure of choice it leads to the application of entropy within the boundaries that have been applied. Harmonizing to Denscombe ( 2007 ) stratified trying can sometimes be a mixture of both random choice and choice on the footing of specific individuality or intent. The research worker felt that by utilizing the graded method the research worker will be able to hold more control over the choice of the sample. The population that was identified for this piece of research is that of four secondary schools in the West Cork country. The first secondary school that was chosen consists of 86 pupils the 2nd consists of 80 pupils the 3rd consists of 60 pupils and the 4th consisted of 76 pupils. The ground behind taking these schools was because they each had a big figure of passage twelvemonth pupils and the more pupils that may be willing to portion their positions. In transporting out this piece of research the research worker would take two categories in each school to make full out the questionnaire. The ground for this method is because each category consists of 12-14 pupils and in each school each category has a different RSE instructor. The ground for taking two categories is due to having information on the positions of pupils in one category and comparing it with that of pupils of another.Instruments used and processFor this piece of research the survey involved the development of a questionnaire to administer to four secondary schools. In deriving permission to administer the questionnaires the research worker will first direct a missive to each school sketching who the research worker is and what degree the research worker is making. It will so explicate the rubric of the research and its intent. Besides the research worker will include how long the questionnaire will take to be filled out. Included in this missive will be inside infor mations of a proposed phone call to the school from the research worker to perchance set up a day of the month as to when the questionnaires could be filled out. The research worker will besides include contact inside informations if the school has any questions. A transcript of the questionnaire will besides be included with the missive. In transporting out the research the research worker will personally manus present the questionnaires as the schools in inquiry are near to where the research worker lives. By utilizing this method the research worker would be able to cover two schools in one twenty-four hours which would ensue in the procedure taking two yearss in entire. The research worker chose this option because it was n't really clip consuming and it is cost effectual as two schools are in the same town and the staying two schools are in neighboring towns. Besides the research worker would non hold to wait for the return of the questionnaires which might take some clip as instructors may be busy with other categories and may non hold clip to manus them out to their pupils and return them by station. By pealing the school and happening out what category clip would accommodate the school and it does n't needfully hold to be SPHE category clip because passage twelvemonth pupils have more free category clip so oth er old ages. The research worker would set up a clip with the school and administer the questionnaires.Datas analysisThe method of informations that will be used to analyze the informations collected from the distribution of the questionnaire will be the computing machine system SPSS. SPSS stands for â€Å" Statisical merchandise and service solutions. In utilizing this system it involves come ining the inquiries that will be asked in the questionnaire and the information that will be collected from those inquiries will so be entered into this computing machine system. After come ining all the information into the system the research worker will so be able to acquire descriptive informations from the system. This will be in the signifier of saloon charts to stand for the determination from the questionnaires. This will let the research worker to see whether there are relationships organizing from the four different schools sing the pupil ‘s positions and sentiments. If any si milarities are recognised so they can be observed and highlighted. The findings that may be highlighted after analyzing the informations that may impact on the instruction of RSE and impact on pupils sing its content and besides what changes the pupils may propose to better if any the RSE execution in the schoolroom.Restrictions and boundary linesOne restriction that the research worker found was when developing the questionnaire. Harmonizing to Parahoo ( 2006 ) there is no chance to inquire respondents to clear up or lucubrate more on their replies. Equally good as that the research worker is a pupil and the methods used may non be every bit advanced because the pupil is new to the field of research. Likewise respondents may non understand to the full which may take to the respondents construing the inquiries otherwise from the research worker which may take to some confusion amongst the research worker when analyzing the information collected. A boundary line of the research is that the short clip the research worker has to carry on the survey. Due the clip constraint the research worker chose a little sample in one county opposed to more counties being included in the survey. This confined the research to merely utilizing four secondary schools in the county taking a little sample doing the response rate lower than would be got from a larger figure of schools.Ethical considerationsThe research will be utilizing kids in the survey to reply questionnaires. The participants in the survey will be aged 15-16. It is really of import that the participants are cognizant and understand the nature of the survey and besides that each single participant replies are confidential. The participants will be given a consent signifier to subscribe from at that place school to because they are under 18. This ensures the participant ‘s right will be protected when roll uping the information. In composing a screen missive to the princip al of each school this ensures that the participants would go cognizant of the nature of the survey by clearly sketching the ground for the research and attaching a transcript of the questionnaire to guarantee that the inquiries being asked are appropriate for passage twelvemonth pupils and besides to acquire blessing from the principal. A transcript of a concent signifier will besides be attached with the screen missive. The missive would besides include who the research worker is and the benefits of the research and a contact figure if there are any questions. Confidentiality is really of import in any research. In guaranting confidentiality this may profit the research as it may take to the participants replying the inquiries candidly. Harmonizing to Parahoo ( 1997 ) confidentiality of all information collected from all participants must be respected. After the research worker gathers all questionnaires the information will be unbroken private and secure. The information will be represented with codifications instead than utilizing the schools original names. All the questionnaires that will be used will be coded with mention to Numberss instead than the names of the school and the name in each school. When all the information is collected and the consequences are analysed it is of import that the consequences are represented reasonably and candidly and bias from the research worker will be avoided. When the research worker will analyze the informations the research worker will guarantee that no names will be used in the procedure of analysis so this will guarantee the namelessness of the participants. The research worker will besides guarantee the linguistic communication used in the questionnaire will non incorporate any prejudice against the schools used in the survey and the research worker.

A Study of Factors Contributing to the Lack of Success and Participation of African American in Males in Advance Placement Classes

Abstract The purpose of this research brief is to offer a brief review of those factors that contribute to the academic achievement gap between African American males. A sample of 25 8th grade, African American, male students from Dent Middle School will be identifyied as participates for the research. Although there has been research written about the achievement gap between African American and their counterparts, the literature is limited regarding strategies tailored specifically to address the achievement gap between African American males.Participant’s data will be collected in relation to sex, race, age group, and attending school. Subjects will responded to an unobtrusive open-ended survey instrument. A survey consisting of 10 qualitative questions and will be used to developed for analysis. Introduction Studies have found that the level of the success of African American male students in advanced educational program is lower rates than nonblack peers (Few, 2004).Succe ss in early exposure to advance classes has shown that it ultimately impacts students’ pre college experiences, such as career choice, level of success, and the nature of participation extracurricular activities (Williams, 2011). Very few black males take advanced classes, which are more in line with college entrance requirements (Few, 2004). Instead, they stick to classes that meet basic high school graduation requirements (Few, 2004). Poverty is another barrier that blocks African American male from participation in the AP program.Most schools require a fee for taking an exam in each subject area (Williams, 2011). AP courses are not as accessible for minorities as for White students because many low-income schools (often primarily populated by minority students) do not offer any AP classes (Watts Silvernail, 2010). With most African American families living well below the nation poverty rate paying addition school fees is unrealistic (Cross, 2006). Further, the lack of expo sure to participating in advance placement class is also an issue that arises with African American males (Watts Silvernail, 2010).Influenced for many years by widespread opinion that they have substandard academic abilities, African American male students in many instances do not consider enrolling in the AP program (Williams, 2011). Consequently, when African American males are not being identified as being academically high achieving and they receive tremendous peer pressure not to achieve, it is no surprise that few African American young males are in honors or advanced placement courses (Cross, 2006).Despite these data, research is still necessary to understand why African American male student demonstrate lack of success and participation in advance courses. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to examine the possible factors that contribute to the lack success and participation of African American males in advance placement classes by asking the following questio ns: 1. Are African American males encouraged to participate in advance placement classes? . What types of support in being offered to enhance participation for African American Males? 3. What influences are hindering participation in advance placement for African American males? Researchers have attempted to clarify the factors the contribute to the lack of success and participation of African American in males in advance placement classes, most of the discussion focuses on fundamentals such as poverty, discrimination, and availability.While there has been much written on the African American in males in advance placement classes, there are questions and problems that are fully or partially disclosed in the works of known scholars. Although there have been significant gains in the educational endeavors of African American students, the 1990s saw a reduction in the progress made with a significant widening of the achievement gap between African American and Caucasian students(Few, 20 04). According to the Education Trust, (2003), the black-white gaps are about 10 points wider than they were more than a decade ago .In addition to gaps in performance on achievement tests, gaps are found in grades, course selection, advanced placement (AP) course participation and test taking, high school graduation, and dropout rates (Legler, 2004). Theodore Cross was dedicated to the conscientious investigation of the status and prospects for African American males in higher education. In the journal article published in The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education Cross addresses educational limitation for African American males in regards to advance placement.While his research did reveal and address the fundamentals of the lack of participation in advance classes for African American males the article lacked objectivity. The focus of the article was centered on the racial scoring gap of advance placement and examined the significance of the interracial disparities between African American male. While is this a key component Jenel Few author of â€Å"The Odds are Against them: The Black Male Education Debacle† takes a stand on the lack of preparation is the leading factor that hinders African American males from partaking in advance classes.She discusses the teacher’s lack of preparation to education children from different social standing and educational standing as well. African American males tend to be underrepresented in advanced and honors courses and more likely to be placed in special education programs and suspended or expelled from school (Few, 2004). The article describes a singularity known as the stereotype threat, which impacts the way teachers view students and the way students view themselves.Stereotype threat influenced teachers’ low-achievement expectations for poor and minority students (Few, 2004). Watts Silvernail, (2010) An Examination of the Barriers and Supports to African-American Enrollment in Honors and Advance d Placement Courses doctoral dissertation examined the impact of teacher effectiveness on the learning of different types of students, from low to high achievers, illustrated the importance of quality teachers. In her studies she found that teacher’s quality has a â€Å"huge effect on how well students fare in school† (abstract).Silvernail discusses that there are many externally and internally generated factors that can influence African American male students' academic decisions to participate in AP classes. External factors include inaccessibility, socioeconomic status, and systemic barriers. Internal factors include cultural identity conflicts, learning style differences, and social isolation (abstract). Silvernail research determined that educational programs that promote equal access to higher education for traditionally underserved populations do exist among African American male.Her qualitative approach was used with the intention of using authentic voices Afri can American student voices to look for commonalities and differences between those students who choose the rigorous advanced track and those who do not (Silvernail, 2010). Method In this research study, The Factors Contributing to the Lack of Success and Participation of African American in Males in Advance Placement Classes will be examined. A qualitative method was chosen because it will offer a more purposeful sampling.The strength of qualitative research is its ability to provide complex textual descriptions of how people experience a given research issue (Robert, 1999). The main purpose of choosing qualitative method is the advantage of qualitative research is to provide a richer deeper understanding of a problem or question being observed. Qualitative methods are also effective in identifying intangible factors, such as social norms, socioeconomic status, gender roles, ethnicity (Robert, 1999). Each participant personified three characteristics: Black male, a student, and a v olunteer.Participants The participants of this study will include 40 African American male students in the grade to 8th grade at Dent Middle School in Columbia South Carolina who have reported not being successful or participating in advance placement classes. I chose Dent Middle School because of it diversity with students and teachers. In order to conduct a survey with students a paternal consent form was required do to the participants being under the age of 18 years of age. Survey Instrument Participants in this study will complete an survey that consists of 25 questions. see Appendix A) The survey was developed to collect data that will be used to analyze the reasoning behind the lack of success of African American males in advance placement classes. References Cross, T. (2006). There is both good news and bad news in Black participation in advanced placement programs. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, 50, 97-101. Retrieved from http://www. jbhe. com/features/59_apscor inggap. html Education Trust. (2003). African American achievement in America. Retrieved April 5, 2012 from http://www2. edtrust. org/NR/rdonlyres/ 9AB4AC88-7301-43FF-81A3 EB94807B917F/0/AfAmer_Achivement. df Few, J. (2004). The odds are against them: The black male education debacle. The Black Commentator, 89, Retrieved from http://www. blackcommentator. com/89/89_reprint_education. html Legler, R. (2004). Perspectives on the gaps: Fostering the academic success of minority and low-income students. Naperville, IL: Learning Point Associates. http://books. google. com/books/about/Perspectives_on_the_gaps. html? id=lM_zGwAACAAJ Robert , P. (1999). Qualitative methods: what are they and why use them?. Health Services Research, 34, 1101–1118. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. ov/pmc/articles/PMC1089055/ Watts Silvernail, L. (2010). An examination of the barriers and supports to african-american enrollment in honors and advanced placement courses. (Doctoral dissertation, University of South Carolina)Retrieved from http://www. grin. com/en/doc/237000/an-examination-of-the-barriers-and-supports-to-african-american-enrollment Williams, R. (2011). More blacks are competing in advanced placement programs, but the racial scoring gap is widening. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, 13, 23-36. Retrieved from http://www. jbhe. com/features/59_apscoringgap. html