Texas Education

Improving Education in Texas United States is known for their freedom of opportunity for education. Our education system has given us a wide variety in choices to what we want to achieve and earn our degree in. Our government has also given us the opportunity to achieve these goals for those who struggle to afford the education with such as loans and grants. So what is such the problem that students really struggle with? It has been recorded that only a little over 50 percent of students who start a four-year degree plan earns their degree in six, and where Texas it is even less.As a student myself, I face the struggles that college students face to complete school. Texas has been known for their excessive number of dropouts. In my opinion, Texas can improve the number of dropouts by understanding the real life struggles of a student that they face to balance their time and labor to manage the expenses for school. As a student myself, I have encounter many students that has either do wngrade their level of education or could not complete school. The many of the few reasons was that they did not have the time or just couldn’t afford the expenses.And the source of reason why student’s did not have the time were because they busy having to work hoping they’ll be able to afford the education. A student I’ve known, that is having to delay his completion in his four-year degree plan was because he is having to spend more hours at work to afford the expenses he has to pay at home. And because the amount of money he makes, he has been ineligible for financial aid. Therefore, school on top was way out of his budget, now he has to continue focusing on building capitol in able to afford and complete school.Although government is providing and offering many opportunities to afford school, we still struggle to find ways to keep students not only to start school, but also to complete school. So far in what I have been impressed by the government is the requirements students must meet in order to be eligible to receive financial aid. Students are required a specific passing rate and GPA to continue receiving money from the government to complete school. Therefore, students are enforced to focus and attend school. If government continues to maintain this strategy, we can see an improvement in he number of dropouts and failure in Texas. Money has seemed to be the source of reasons students struggle with to improve their education. Many of those completing their degrees in universities have to be left with thousand of dollars in debt. It is a fear for many of us to complete and leaving school having to pay unaffordable amounts of debt. This takes back to students struggling to work and afford school at the same time. When students have to spend constant hours to afford their expenses, where is the time they will have to focus and complete school.We can feel discouraged when checking the price for books and school bills. And the r eason why some students may conflict in making the correct amount of money, is because many were not able to afford the proper education to earn the degree for a better paying job. If Texas can create more programs for student’s being able to afford school without stressing the idea of putting out more time and money from their pockets, then I do not see why students would not engage. What government needs to do is create a different path in education where it can be more suitable for every student therefore creating an improvement in education.Kristen Indriago and Nancy Druart in their article Money Isn’t The Only Answer to School Woes, explained that even if we provide some of the best schools in the community, it does not mean it is suitable for a student to achieve in. â€Å"The best thing we can do as a state to meet the needs of every student is create a competitive, flexible education system that equalizes education opportunities regardless of socioeconomic sta tus†, Indriago and Druart stated. Although they have stated strong points in their article for creating the needs of every student, I disagree on the idea of ignoring the socioeconomic status.It is because of our economic status that troubles our students to stay in school. If we can focus on the status of those struggled we can create a better education opportunity. Texas is a national leader state, and to improve our higher education is an image we must focus on. Due to our excessive number of dropouts, we must pay attention to the source of reasons. As a student myself, I have encounter many problems to why students trouble in school. Some of the key reasons has been balancing and affording the time and expenses.If the government and school boards take a harder look at why student’s struggle to complete school we can see an improvement. With the condition of searching for improvement, Texas can provide and promote more cost efficient and time consumable programs for those students that face these conflicts. Therefore, in my opinion Texas can begin seeing progress. Works Cited Indriago, Kristen, and Nancy Druart. â€Å"Money Isn't the Only Answer to School Woes. † Statesman. N. p. , 24 Feb. 2013. Web. Spellings, Margaret. â€Å"Texas Higher Education Could Be Improved. † Statesman. N. p. , 27 Nov. 2012. Web.

Diuretics Used in Sport

Alan Green W10013152 Methods of enquiry in sport and exercise science Structured essay Diuretics used in sport Diuretics are chemicals which are often used in sport to aid performance. The function of diuretics is to change the natural balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Some athletes use diuretics to control weight; this is especially important in sports such as boxing where participants need to meet weight categories. Not only can diuretics help athletes to perform in lighter weight categories, they can also be used as a masking agent for other drugs.Diuretics dilute urine which can often help pass drugs tests. It is important that drugs such as diuretics are identified and managed in sports performance. This is especially true at elite levels as athletes have an unfair advantage when taking drugs to improve success. The use of research questions can help the understanding of drugs such as diuretics being used in sport. For research questions to be beneficial they have to be all of the following: Specific, measurable, achievable and realistic. Below are 4 specific research questions based around diuretics being used at elite levels in sport.By identifying research questions, understanding of the problem is increased: 1. To what extent can diuretics be used to improve an athlete’s performance? The use of this research question will allow the understanding of the physiological effect diuretics have on the body of an athlete. Article: Drugs in sport: Diuretics and masking agents. Mottram. 2. What is the relationship between diuretic consumption and the masking of performance enhancing drugs? Answering this research question will allow the understanding on how diuretics can be used as a masking agent for other performance enhancing drugs.Article: Exercise and sports nutrition: Principles, Promises, science and recommendations. Krieder et al. 3. What would be the overall effects on sport if the ban on diuretics and the drugs they mask was lifted ? By answering this research question, the ethics behind sport and fair play can be understood. Article: Anti-doping policies: New directions, Waddington and Smith. 4. What effects does the long term use of diuretics have on dehydration? Answering this research question will help the understanding of the effects of changing the natural balance of fluids in the body and how they can affect the liver causing dehydration.Article: Performance enhancing drugs in sport and exercise, Bahrke and Yesalis 5. What effect doe duretics have on cell structure The question being used for the remainder of this essay is: What would be the overall effects on sport if the ban on diuretics and the drugs they mask was lifted? This question can be used to understand the issues around the use of diuretics in sport. By using this research question†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Academic disciplines which provide theorectical underpinning to the research This question can help the understanding of the psychological effects on using diuretics.Allowing the use of diuretics in sport would affect athletes psychologically by making them feel superior and confident about their performance. However if performance enhancing drugs were legalised in sport, athletes would have unfair advantages. Diuretics are commonly used in sports which have weight categories such as boxing and body building In order to collect data from the research question, it has to be operationalised. Design Sample Instrumental Data analysis One problem with validity, one with reliability and one with ethics ValidityTo answer this I looked at what validity is in research terms. Basically validity is whether the research is really measuring what it claims to be measuring and as objectively as it says it is. Is the researcher really looking to prove a point or disprove a point and in doing so have they used a) Valid research questions to measure the required information and b) Is the research really measuring what is says it is measuring It is not difficult to see that if the answer to the above questions are both â€Å"no† then the research must be said to be invalid ReliabilityReliability looks at whether the research can be reliable in as much as can it be applied to a wider group with confidence that the same or similar results will follow thus making the research reliable. It is clear that reliability has a direct link then to sample sizes and sample validity and the spectrum of the sample, for example if a piece of company research only sampled 50 of its customers from 20,000 customers all of whom had completed a satisfaction survey and returned it with positive result in the past, could this be said to be a reliable as it has clearly taken a relatively small sample and unethically used past known positives?It can be seen that the data capture process or research methods have a big impact on reliability. Ethics Again I sought to answer this question by looking at what ethics was in both normal everyday si tuations and in research terms. In both cases it appears to be about morals and right and wrong. The debate in research terms seems to be a very large one, however I came across this statement â€Å"†¦.. our assumption is that academic freedom does not confer a â€Å"right to do research† Anthropology Matters Journal 2010, Vol 12 (1) http://eprints. oas. ac. uk/10352/1/The_problem_of_ethics_in_contemporary_anthropological_research. pdf From this and further reading I think the single biggest problem with research ethics is different people have different ethical value bases and believe different things are right and wrong. It is clear however that if the ethical basis of the research can be easily attacked then it validity and reliability must both come into question.It is also clear that different sectors of society may take different views from different perspectives i. e. a financial institutuion may take a different view than a church. References: ALPHABETICAL ORDER Waddingoton, I. Smith, A. (2009) Addicted to winning? An introduction to drugs in sport. Richard B. Kreider, Brian C. Leutholtz, Frank I. Katch, Victor L. Katch 2009 Michael S. Bahrke, Charles Yesalis – 2002 – David. R Mottram 2011 5th editition

Are You a Good Communicator? Essay

Communication is said to be the process of sharing a person’s information to another person or a group of people it could be one’s thoughts or feelings through spoken words, written words, or body language. I think effective communication does require the transmitted information is received and understood by the receiver in which it was intended. Interpersonal relationships are important in the health care industry because teamwork and positive working relationships between the healths care team and their patients. â€Å"To trust health care is an important interpersonal skill and is very effective for doctor-patient relationships. â€Å"The need for interpersonal trust relates to the vulnerability associated with being ill. Without trust patients may well not access services at all, let alone disclose all medically relevant information. Trust is also an important interpersonal element in effective healthcare team development. A supportive climate encourages open, honest, and constructive interactions among informal conversations and formal conversations. While a defensive climate leads to competitive or even destructive conflict. There are six dimensions of behavior. Each dimension has an opposite or polar end. One side of the dimension creates a defensive climate, while the opposite side creates a supportive climate. The six poles for supportive dimensions and its polar opposite are description versus evaluation, problem orientation versus control, spontaneity versus strategy, empathy versus neutrality, equality versus superiority, and provisional’s versus certainty. â€Å"All of the dimensions supportive and defensive climates are valid factors in determining the effectiveness of communication. Knowing how to express one’s self in a supportive rather than a defensive way, opens the door to improving the communication climate in all relationships† (Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2010, p.135). Supportive relationships are more appropriate in the healthcare workplace because supportive climate encourages open, honest, and constructive interactions among the healthcare team and their patients. The assertive style in communication allows an individual to state what he or she thinks, feels, wants, or needs in a way that is direct, honest, and respectful of others while allowing others to do  the same. Assertive communication is appropriate in the healthcare workplace because assertiveness is based on mutual respect that is needed in the healthcare workplace; it is an effective and diplomatic communication style. â€Å"Assertive communication is best understood when compared with aggressive and nonassertive communication† (Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2010). Assertiveness is expressing thoughts while showing respect to others, aggressiveness is expressing thoughts while showing disrespect to others, and no assertiveness is not showing any needs or wants at all. On the How Assertive Are You? Exercise in chapter 6 of Communicating in the Workplace I scored a 40 this exercise tells me that I am reasonably assertive in some areas but considerably less so in other areas. I agree with the example its provides â€Å"you refrain from voicing your views in a group setting, particularly if you know others disagree with you† (Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2010). The example that was given is exactly how I am among a group of people. My communication style is a mix of assertive and nonassertive gestures (voice, speech pattern, and facial expression, eye contact, and body movements). Depending on the situation, my voice is quiet and often closed when am in a group of people I find it very hard to speak around of groups, My speech pattern may be hesitant because I do find myself scared when am faced with more than one person at a time, My facial expressions may be quick-changing features or frowns when angry, otherwise â€Å"open.† My eye contact is always on the people that are speaking making eye contact. My body movements are usually relaxed sitting upright and I often talk with open hand movements. So rather you are a good communicator there is always room for improvement. Anybody that would to take their own assertiveness self-assessment test there is a free one on the Internet at http://acoachforchampions.com/Assertiveness_Self.pdf. References Cheesebro, T., O’Connor, L., & Rios, F. (2010). Communicating in the workplace. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Rowe, R., & Calnan, M. (2006). Trust Relations in Healthcare – The New Agenda. Oxford Journals – Medicine – European Journal of Public Health, 16(1), 4-6. Retrieved from http://eurpub.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/1/4.full

Charlie Wilson's War - Lessons Learned Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Charlie Wilson's War - Lessons Learned - Essay Example The war offers an appropriate emphasis on the secretive war waged by the CIA in Afghanistan without the notice of American public, to avoid public debates and protests that accompany publicized wars. US department of foreign affairs at the time denied knowledge of US arm purchases for distribution to Afghan rebels. Even though, the US officially denied its role in availing weapons to Afghani fighters, mainly the Mujahedeen, the war in Afghanistan acted as a catalyst that facilitated the end of soviet empire. Though the US did not claim credit in the war, the Mujahedeen as well as other Muslims never considered the US as being crucial to the war success. The secrecy of the war bore unforeseen consequences with regard to the relationship between the United States and Afghanistan (Chodakiewicz, 2008). Consequently, US face tense relations with Afghanistan; therefore, the war offers a great lesson that interventionist foreign policy can result in unforeseeable negative consequences. In a ddition, it is apparent that the US profoundly lacked continuity in its foreign policy; even after the expulsion of Soviets, it abandoned Afghanistan, as it had no plans and strategies for the country’s future apart from the its revenge to Soviet. Therefore, Taliban as well as the al Qaeda took advantage of the situation since the US concentrated on the imminent problems, and failed to anticipate and neutralize potential threats (Jalal, 2010). Thus, from the war is that it is important for the US or any other country to deploy resources in assisting in times of crisis especially in wars and when the danger apparently passes, it should ensure stability has been fostered in the war regions. Another crucial lesson in the war regards the role of women in politics like heiress Joanne, who are important allies in political undertakings since they have the time, vision, passion and means for organizing extra-governmental activities. This is because American women can arrange parties , invite key players and inconspicuously achieve results using their charm and perseverance that enables them to reach the mighty. In this case, they fund or sponsor non-governmental propagandas attacks and at times political-military movements; therefore, women usually are the main supporters of public mediation as well as private undercover activities. Consequently, influential American women influence their wealthy friends to support generously any kind of adventure this is common, and does not only apply in Afghanistan (Michael, 2003). The other insight from the war is the concern relating to the informal aspects of democratic system like backdoor deals being the norm in congress, where politicians accepts perks in corridors, clubs and lobbies. Moreover, the system is often bi-partisan considering that obscure things mysteriously appear to be part of agenda and get voted in. Nevertheless, the war portrays the US response to be firmly rooted in the US’s rampant anti-commun ism following the disaster in Vietnam. Americans fear of the communism expansion drove them to support Mujahedeen, as replicated in the famous oratory used by Charlie in bolstering backing for his cause. This

Summative assessment - Part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Summative assessment - Part 2 - Essay Example Thus, it is socially responsible and supports the entire market in order to ensure that the best products are available in the market. The company uses the most recent technology to run all its operations; every section or rather department of Anisa International has gone digital, starting from the marketing, management, communication and distribution of its products (Yahoo Finance, 2004). To start with, Anisa International, Inc. has gone digital in marketing of its products. There are a number of social websites that have allowed platforms for advertisements and other marketing procedures for various companies. Sites such as Facebook, twitter, YouTube and Google have made it easy and cheaper for business organizations across the globe to effective market their products. For instance, Anisa International has a Facebook page whereby all the news about the new products, changes in the existing products, prices of particular products and general company operations are posted. This style of marketing is somehow effective as it is easily accessible by any individual irrespective of age, gender, race or social class. With the current level of technology, there are hundreds of millions internet traffic daily; people access or rather visit various sites with diverse aims. Thus, for fashion lovers, Facebook pages for famous companies and other fashion websites are their destin ations. Information in Anisa’s Facebook pages is accessed or rather read by thousands of individuals daily. Therefore, the company easily spreads the news about its products via this medium. In addition, management of firm’s operations in todays’ world has gone digital. Many organizations have transformed from paper work or rather manual way of transacting and recording information to the digital way of handling all the operations of the companies. For instance, Anisa International, Inc. has all the information about the company’s operations stored and handled

Should smok ban in campus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Should smok ban in campus - Essay Example On the other hand opponents argue that smoking is bad not only for the individual himself but can harm the whole society. It is for this very reason that a smoking ban in campus has been implemented in many colleges and states. This essay would further revolve around the ban of smoking in campus and would provide my personal opinion regarding it. It is seen that the colleges which are implementing the ban advocate it because of its influence on the healthy environment in the campus. The authorities put forward that smoking creates an unhealthy environment which can affect individuals in a bad way and hence the bans are implemented to promote an environment in which people do not undergo suffocation. Smoking is an act which poses severe health consequences to the human being. One of five deaths in the United States are considered to be because of smoking (American Cancer Society 2004). The health authorities believe that smoking is causing addiction all over the world and it should be stopped somehow. Campus ban is supported by individuals who believe that smoking in a public place can have a bad influence on the overall environment. Research has been carried out to find out the effect of smoking on the health of individuals who do not smoke. Proponents of the ban put forward that smoking in campus can pose the risk of passive smoking to others and in many cases this has also lead to asthmatic attacks (National Health Survey 1994). They bring forward laws which provide every human life in this world with the right that they should not be exposed to carcinogens which would affect their health and if this ban on smoking does not take place then these individuals would be exposed to the carcinogens of cigarette (U.S Department of Health and Human Services). They also bring forward other harms which may be caused by cigarette smoke to the society. The cigarette butts that are left behind by the smoker can be a cause of fire at many places and by imposing ban on smok ing the government can ensure that these incidents are avoided (Daily Courier 2004). On the other hand the opponents of a ban on smoking in the campus have other views regarding smoking. In 2009 students of the University of Kentucky launched a campaign against the ban of smoking in the campus by smoking cigarettes openly. The ban has been met with great resistance by the students as they believe that they have a right to smoke if they wish to do that (Cruz 2009). The students believe that by banning smoking in the campus the authorities are intervening in the personal life of the students. According to them measures to curb smoking in the campus is just costing money and this money can be used elsewhere for a better purpose. These students believe that other important aspects of the university should be rather maintained instead of wasting the money on a smoking ban. One of the smokers Janelle Johnson from Sioux Falls was stated as saying "You could do so much more with that money. Like pave the parking lots because the parking lots suck" (Murray 2005). The students believe that they are not posing any threat to anyone when smoking in the campus as the campus does not have children which may be found in outdoor places such as restaurants. At one instance it is also found that the non smokers do not support a complete ban on the in campus smoking. One of the non smokers from St Paul was stated as say

Principles of nonprofit leadership Research Paper

Principles of nonprofit leadership - Research Paper Example sults the first and foremost thing which is required by organizations is effective leadership of a nature that aspires to achieve these results in the best possible way (Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Management Excellence). Most of the nonprofit organizations believe that money is the only resource that can help an organization to achieve its desired objectives. Keeping this in view, many of the experts have argued that not only money but the leadership plays an important role. They argued that effective leadership is the only tool that helps an organization to achieve its intended objectives (A Guide for Board Members, Managers and Staff). The organization work towards achieving those goals and money only enables them to deliver results that are expected of them. In today’s era the two important resources for any organization are financial resources and human capital (Tierney). The set back or down turn in financial resources is impossible to avoid and difficult to overcome, but shortcomings in human capital can be very awkward for an organization and cannot be calibrated easily. Keeping in view above mentioned issues, the need for the nonprofit organizations is to have an effective leadership that goes all the way towards achieving intended and desired results. This paper will probe into the challenges that any nonprofit organization is expected to face while developing effective leadership (Hill, 135). It will further shed light on benefits derived by developing effective leadership along with advantages and disadvantages. It will provide an insight of the principles of nonprofit leadership. Thus, this paper is expected to make a valuable contribution in the existing stock of knowledge. It has become quite difficult for nonprofit organizations to manage in today’s tough economy. According to (Hill, 12) Following are few challenges that nonprofit organizations are facing while in the phase of developing effective leadership. With increased