Differentiated Instruction Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Differentiated Instruction - Research Paper Example With the coming into implementation of the plan instruction and, assessment and curriculum for education in the school district has been aligned to this. I am currently serving as a teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School a position I have held for the last seven years. The school has a population of about seven hundred students, in preparatory school through to the seventh grade. Each level has three classes which have a team led by a team leader (Cusumano &Mueller, 2007). Instructional support is offered by a psychologist employed by the school on full time basis, a rereading consultant for the reading program, special education program which is staffed with gifted and talented teacher. In 2010 the school district put into action a balanced literacy program intended to align every school standards with those of the state (Cifuentes, &Ozel, 2006). While this program has been successfully implemented in terms of curriculum and instructional support, Hillcrest Elementary School still h as the lowest rate of literacy especially in reading with approximately 35% of the learners scoring minimal and basic scores in the sixth grade WKCE. Description of Objectives To improve proficiency in the implementation of a balanced literacy program in my classroom placing significant emphasis on instructed reading so as to enhance learner achievement aligned to school benchmarks, while at the same time enhancing enjoyment and interest in reading (Lawrence-Brown, 2004). Rationale for the Objectives and the Connection to Self Reflection, Educational Situation, and Standards The school district has been engaged in the implementation of a balanced literacy framework that covers the seven schools in the district. Greater emphasis has been placed upon the training and implementation of writers’ workshop, guided reading and supplementary literacy initiatives incorporated into all K-5 classrooms (Levy, 2008). Hillcrest Elementary School has set benchmarks of the improvement of wri ting and reading which is based upon school performance data. In my reflection I determined that there was a need to take into account best practices in reading instruction. I recognized a need to acquire more skills in the employment of guided strategies for reading which took into account and focused upon specific needs of individual students (Zmuda, Kuklis, & Kline, 2004). In the past my teaching was primarily targeted at the class as a whole which resulted in a feeling that there was a discrepancy since the high performers felt underworked while the low achievers felt overburdened. An analysis of student performance has portrayed that the low achievers show little improvement while the high achievers many a time complain of a lack of interest in learning as a result of the content not being challenging enough (Gibson, & Hasbrouck, 2008). Plan for Documenting and Assessing Achievement of Objectives I will employ instructed reading in a gradual manner in order to evaluate the prog ression of student achievement towards proficiency that is aligned to certain grades. Achievement will also be evaluated according to DRA benchmark evaluations administered at the beginning and end of the year. In order to evaluate enjoyment of reading and enhancement of interest, I will

The American epidemic of obesity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The American epidemic of obesity - Essay Example This essay "The American epidemic of obesity" outlines the danger of obesity, its consequences and recommendations how to prevent it. The absence of supportive policies in key sectors such as health, agriculture, transport, urban planning, environment, food processing and distribution, marketing and education is also a cause of this change. For a friend who is overweight, I would advise that they change their lifestyle. They should cut down their intake of regular soda as it is high in sugar and hence calories. Diet soda, alternative most health- conscious soda consumers opt for is also reported to contain some artificial sweeteners that have been linked to health issues such as cancer and should, therefore, be avoided. I would advocate that they take fresh fruit juices as they are much lower in calories and have no additives. They should also reduce their intake of fast foods as fast foods are high in calories and fat hence contributing to overweight and obesity. Intake of greens and fruits as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts should be increased as they are low in calories and fat. It would be important for the friend to improve her physical activity and make her diet healthier in order to ensure that her health is not at risk. This is because obesity and overweight lead to cardiovascular problems such as heart d isease and stroke. When there's too much fat in the body, it may clog blood vessels leading to a rise above normal in blood pressure and may result in a stroke.

CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER PROJECT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER PROJECT - Essay Example This helped us develop our friendship and learn more about each other’s culture. We discovered that we both love sports and enjoyed watching international football games among the teams that we support. We also found out that we enjoy playing football as we both played it in junior and secondary schools. We spent a lot of time playing various video games at the local village arcade and in our apartments. Our friendship was enhanced by the fact that we are both international students who share a similar history and similar dreams and ambitions. In addition to, we dined together on numerous occasions and got to enjoy traditional meals that taught us more on our cultures. While I am Muslim, Patrick is Christian and this has not stopped us from learning more about each other’s religions and cultures. For instance, he joined me for Jumma (Friday prayers) in a Mosque in Arlington, Virginia (House 55). I attended a Sunday service with him where he celebrated ‘Palm Sunday ’. I learnt that the difference between the two religions is not so pronounced as they both focus on preaching a positive message to its followers. We have visited various exhibitions that show case different cultures and we have learnt so much about our rich cultures and familiarized ourselves with our mutual heritage. Patrick and I share numerous mutual friends hence we spend a lot of time together. It surprises a lot of people that a Muslim and a Christian can share such a close friendships, we have a lot in common, than what meets the eye. Although Patrick has spent most of his years in the United States, he is interested in learning more about the Asian culture and the language skills by visiting the Asian region. Patrick intends to go back to Indonesia after completing his studies and constantly visits his family back his home country. This shows the level of dedication that Patrick has towards learning more about the Indonesian culture. Identified Differences. In spite of a close friendship, there are various clear differences between us. To begin with, there is a huge age gap between us as Patrick is 27 years while I am 22 years. Patrick has lived in the United States for 15 years while I have been in here for three years. Patrick described his family as originating from Indonesia where his paternal and maternal ancestors originated. While Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken in Indonesia, Patrick and his sibling speak English fluently having lived in the US for fifteen years. On the other hand, my family comes from Saudi Arabia while some members of my family live in Syria and Egypt. I am fluent in both Arabic and English and therefore there are no communication barriers between us. We eat a variety of foods in our homes including rice, sushi, pasta and various types of meat apart from pork. This is because I am Moslem. Patrick is Christian and Indonesian and they have no reservations when it comes to different types of food. Patrick’s fami ly owns a food processing company that specializes in processing high quality rice that is sold across the country. The business’ performance has been exemplary over the years and the plans to expand its activities in the Asian market in future. My family owns a Textile industry in Saudi Arabia and is planning to open new branches in Dubai and Qatar. This shows that our families are involved in different lines of business. Our cultures define the size of our families. I come from a family of six children that is

Ted Cruz for President Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ted Cruz for President - Essay Example The website takes into considerations Christian conservatives. His address littered with the types of rhetoric that appeal to the credulous in America. He stated that God’s blessings had been with America from the beginning and God is not done with America. He drives his support by calling on millions of conservatives who rose to reignite the promise of America. His words and zeal give hope that seems unattainable (TedCruz 1). He tends to give people promises that seem unrealistic. He advocates for change by promising on new ideas. His strategy aligns with an agitation for the rights of the minority, or instance, are the religious conservatives. The conservatives follow the Bible teachings and expect everyone to conform (Cruz for president 1). They create an ideal society of Christianity. His campaigns have the themes of developing tougher immigration laws, the right to bear arms, a more robust foreign policy, and an end to Obamacare. He raps all his motives in the flag of American exceptionalism, divine providence, and naked nationalism (Cruz for president 1). Americans view his ideas and philosophies differently. Most Americans believe that where he wants to take them is where they came from some centuries back. For instance, a society with sexual inequality and with women denied the right over their bodies. In his campaign website, he ludicrously lists the repeal of the Obamacare as the primary thing that Americans need to do to restore the economic opportunity. He is also fighting for the end to ethanol subsidies and an end in the Export-Import Bank. He positions himself as real small government opponent of the called crony capitalism (Cruz for president 1). He, therefore, helps in the fight for a socialist society. Cruz also calls for the fight for traditional marriage. He gives hope to the minority. His ideas seem to vary with other candidates as stands out with an aim of coming up with

Current policy intervention relevant to adult social care and its Essay

Current policy intervention relevant to adult social care and its impact on one of the groups - Essay Example The objective of this report is to define how the Valuing People white paper offers new opportunities while at the same time issuing solutions to existing problems in the implementation of the recommendations, so that adults with learning disabilities including their families can live complete and independent lives as part of their local communities. The report is aimed at the concerned government agencies and advocacy groups involved in implementing the white paper, particularly the National Health Service and the national Directorate of People with Learning Disabilities. The report covers the historical treatment of people with learning disabilities, especially how state sponsored care practises influenced the formulation of Valuing People policy intervention. Secondly, a critical evaluation of the white paper strengths and weaknesses on the wellbeing of people with disabilities is provided, based on existing literature, government reports and accounts of people undergoing the services offered under the policy intervention. The report uses various local learning disability services in England by evaluating their guidelines, policy implementation and practises. Finally, the report provides solutions to the weaknesses affecting the users of the services provided under the Valuing People intervention. A key limitation of the report is that, it did not interview in person individuals with learning disabilities, and as such these findings cannot be entirely generalized to the wider UK community. The De Prerogative Regis of 1334 was the first legal effort by the England crown state in administering community based care for individuals having learning disabilities (Puri, 2005, p.2) Even before the industrial revolution, the society did not recognize the fact that individuals with learning disabilities should be supported to live their own lives, as workers, parents, tenants or even home owners (Race, 2002, p. 24). Since they were

Foreign market entry and its implication (Starbucks case study) Essay

Foreign market entry and its implication (Starbucks case study) - Essay Example In particular, the paper looks at Joint Ventures as an example of the company’s market entry into Spain, and its marketing implications. Generally, the company applies market entry modes and marketing mix to build its brand appeal as well as create a unique product appeal and customer loyalty. These choices have long-term implications in the success of the company. Introduction/Company Background Starbucks Corporation is an international company that deals with coffee products, with its headquarters based in Seattle Washington, America. During its commencement in 1971, the company was a retailer and a local coffee roaster; but it has since stretched out swiftly. It has Italian-style coffeehouse chain and it is the world’s largest coffeehouse company, with presence in more than 60 countries and more than 20,000 stores (Starbucks Corporation 2011). It deals with coffee beans, salads, hot and cold drinks, hot and cold sandwiches, snacks, mugs and tumblers, and sweet pastri es. In addition, Starbucks distributes some of its brand through grocery stores, including coffee and ice cream. Its other products include markets films, music, and books through the Hear Music and the Starbucks Entertainment division. Scores of the company’s products are either location specific or seasonal. Starbuck’s most remarkable expansion, when it used to open new stores days on end, was in the 1990s till 2000s. The company started establishing oversees stores in 1990s; and currently, roughly third of its stores are oversees (Starbucks 2012). Market entry According to Albaum and Duerr (2011), market strategy comprises of an entry mode and a marketing plan. Numerous entry strategies that an organization can adopt when venturing into new markets and regions are available. Each strategy comes with differing degrees of advantages, disadvantages, risks and legal obligations (Gilligan & Hird 1986). According to Albaum and Duerr (2011), the entry strategy to be adopte d should take into consideration company objectives and expectations in terms of volume of business to be gained. The strategy should also take into consideration resources required to effectively implement the strategy and patterns of involvement in other regions. On the other hand, political infrastructure, degree of competitive rivalry within the target market, as well as nature of product to be introduced into the target market should be factored (Yavas, Verhage & Green 1992). Starbucks uses different approaches to market entry, especially in its internalization process. Its entry approach is aimed at satisfying the needs and requirements of every market, seeking to fulfill its traditions and cultures. Presently, the company uses three differently entry methods, including licenses, joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries (Webster 2005). Starbucks entered Spain by signing joint venture agreements with VIPS and El Moli Vell and in 2001. This strategy allow for quicker penetra tion, risk diversifications and faster entry into new markets. It also helps the business to avoid barriers of entry. Like any other strategy, this strategy has its shortcomings; which include loss of management control and lack of the ability to recover capital invested among other (Yavas, Verhage & Green 1992). Group VIPS is a leading European retail and food service operator, while El Moli Vell is a retail operator of pastry shops and cafes in Barcelona area. In

Deserving graduating senior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Deserving graduating senior - Essay Example This is the major reason as to why I am applying for this particular scholarship program. Throughout my high school education I have worked hard and put all my efforts towards achieving excellent performance. I may not have been naturally smart when it comes to the book but my efforts and encouragement from parents and teachers were influential in the attainment of what I have so far achieved. My hard work, dedication and commitment towards excelling in my studies made me create a very special bond with my teachers which prove extremely beneficial. I am an inquisitive, proactive, and flexible learner; these qualities coupled with my great effort and cordial relations with my tutors perform well. I was thus able to post high GPA results and take college classes as a junior during my senior year of high school. In my college classes at the Pen State-Beaver Campus I posted above average grades as a junior student. I therefore intend to join the Kent University on graduation from college and pursue Aviation Science. It’s my intention to participate in the United State s Air Force ROTC program at college and enlist in the Air Force after graduating from college. Apart from my academic life at school and college, I am also am outgoing person; I actively participate in extracurricular activities. I have served as President for the Ski club, and Treasurer of the Freedom Fortune 500 club. Am an active of the Spanish club, Homecoming Court 2014 and Tech Team. When it comes to track and field events I have always committed myself to athletics and soccer serving as soccer captain for the high school team while at the same time maintaining a high GPA standing in my academics. These I believe are very important for physical, mental and psychological needs of my body which translate into good health as well as performance of the brain. I extend the same to my community where I voluntarily serve as Head Coach for the