Utopia Essay -- essays research papers fc

Thomas More’s, Utopia is one of the most politically and socially influential texts to date. His audience, which ranges from academic and social scholars to college students, all can gain a different understanding of the work and it’s meaning. In order to fully comprehend More’s message, one must have an appreciation for the time and culture in which he lived. After grasping historical concepts, one reads Utopia, not as just a volume recounting a fictitious island society, but rather as a critique on a time of corruption and reformation. Throughout the entire text, More’s personal views on the religion, politics, and economy of this turbulent time seep through the carefully plotted thread of this critical work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  More is seen in history through many different lights. It is difficult to historically describe the sixteenth century without mentioning More’s individual involvement as a key religious and political figure of the time. In his early life, he focuses mainly on his desire for priesthood. More lived in a monastery for years and pursued the pious life of the Carthusians only to abandon it for a political career. Many speculate that More’s reasons for leaving had to do with the corruption he witnessed in his time there and desire to engage in matrimony. The corruption and greed forming among the clergy is what triggered the Protestant Reformation, led by Martin Luther. Next, More entered into the political spotlight through parliament and as a Speaker of the House of Commons, where he spent his energy encouraging the idea of freedom of speech. His next duty was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancester, followed by the Lord Chancellor. Both of these came towar ds the end of his political and judicial career when his views began to split from those of Henry VIII. More’s disagreement with the ideas of Henry VIII and the conversion to Lutheranism was eventually the end of him, when he was beheaded for refusing to swear to the Oath of Supremacy and Act of Succession. He believed in the way of the Catholic Church till the end and paid the ultimate sacrifice of his life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Evidence of More’s religious views is found throughout the text. He cleverly disguises his true opinions by inventing a fictitious traveler by the name of Raphael Hythloday, who the reader believes to be the originator of the radical ideas.... ... More spends a great deal of time in Book 1 on a conversation in which Raphael is expressing sympathy for the poor. More was rumored to also display this tendency in his life. In More’s time, the poor were at their poorest while the rich were getting richer. Food, clothing, etc, became a luxury to the homeless peasants, who often resorted to thievery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, More used an interesting characterization method to write a blatant critique of the societal constructs that he lived in. This was a dangerous task to undertake in a time when heresy and treason were punishable by death. More’s life achievements conflict with some of the views in his work, but that is why he calls it fiction. More lived a life of great determination and devotion. His strict lifestyle and critical analysis of the world that surrounded him served as the perfect exposition for a world that only existed in his mind. To close, a quote from Book I, Hythloday states, â€Å"You must strive to influence policy indirectly, handle the situation tactfully, and thus what you cannot turn to good, you may at least—to the extent of your powers—make less bad†(26). Works Cited

References for Assessment in Special Education Essay

Bendak, L. (2011). The role of individual educational plans in helping cycle one students with dyslexia to become better readers. Middle East Journal of Family Medicine; Nov2011, Vol. 9 Issue 9, p42-47, 6p. Retrieved January 18,2013 from http://0-web. ebscohost. com. lib1000. dlsu. edu. ph/ehost/detail? sid=16696efa-2beb-42868b5ec73dca138979%40sessionmgr12&vid=1&hid=11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ %3d%3d Abstract The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance and role of Individual Educational Plans (IEP) in helping students with Dyslexia, ages six to nine at cycle one of their elementary education. This study emphasizes the need for special education departments in schools where special education teachers can enhance the educational development of students with Dyslexia through the IEPs that identify the individual points of strength and weakness of the student with Dyslexia. The results of this study showed that the efficacy of the IEP on the development of the reading level varied depending on the initial level of difficulty of the student. [2] Burns M. K. , Jacob S. , Wagner A. R. (2007) Ethical and legal issues associated with using response-to-intervention to assess learning disabilities. Journal of School Psychology 46 (2008) 263–279. Retrieved January 18, 2013 from http://faculty. winthrop. edu/armisteadl/SchoolPsychologyResources/attachments/Burnsi_ M_K__Ethical_a. pdf Abstract The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 allows schools to use a child’s response to research-based intervention (RTI) as a part of procedures to identify students with learning disabilities. This paper considers whether RTI-based assessment models meet ethical and legal standards for acceptable assessment practices. Based on a review of available research, it was concluded that RTI based assessment practices, when carefully crafted and implemented, have the potential to be multifaceted, fair, valid, and useful. Threats to acceptable RTI-based assessment practices include: the lack of research-based interventions appropriate for diverse academic domains, ethnic groups, grades K12, and students with limited English proficiency; uncertainty regarding how to determine when nonresponse to intervention warrants formal referral for evaluation of special education eligibility; difficulty translating scientifically sound RTI practices to the local school level; and inadequate staff training and poor treatment fidelity. Suggested directions for future research are included. [3] Capizzi, A. M. (2008) From assessment to annual goal. Teaching Exceptional Children; Sep/Oct2008, Vol. 41 Issue 1, p18-25, 8p. Retrieved January 19, 2012 from http://0-web. ebscohost. com. lib1000. dlsu. edu. ph/ehost/detail? sid=66b5e959-686e-482bb3e7ead5ad631980%40sessionmgr11&vid=1&hid=11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ %3d%3d Abstract The article discusses the process of writing individualized education plans (IEPs) for special needs students and the decision making process that is involved to find and implement meaningful teaching methods and activities. It is noted that present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) and other evaluation data must be utilized in the IEP plan. The impact that the U. S. Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) has on IEPs demonstrates that the measurement of academic progress is a central goal of any IEP. [4] Dunn, Michael W. (2007) Diagnosing reading disability: Reading recovery as a component of a response-to-intervention assessment method. Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal, v5 n2 p31-47 2007. Retrieved January 18, 2013 from http://www.eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini. jsp? _nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSe arch_SearchValue_0=EJ797663&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ79766 3 Abstract There is growing evidence that the current method of identifying students with a learning disability (LD) is ineffective. The wait-to-fail model of assessing students after second/third grade as well as conceptual problems in using intelligence tests for identification result in students not receiving the assistance they need during the earlyelementary school years. The educational community is discussing response to intervention (RTI) as an alternative assessment method. This study explored the assessment components of the Reading Recovery (RR) program as part of a future RTI model. By means of a discriminant-function analysis, a retrospective study of thirdthrough fifth-grade students who participated in RR during first grade investigated assessment elements (beginning text level, ending text level, and number of weeks’ participation in RR) of this program. The results showed that RR assessment elements were significant predictors of first-grade students who were later identified as having a reading disability. Ending text level was consistently the largest predictor of students later classified as having a reading disability or not. (Contains 4 tables. ) [5] Dykeman, Bruce F. (2006) Alternative strategies in assessing special education needs. Education, v127 n2 p265-273 Win 2006. Retrieved January 18, 2013 from http://www. eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini. jsp? _nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSe arch_SearchValue_0=EJ765825&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ76582 5. Abstract The conventional use of standardized testing within a discrepancy analysis model is reviewed. The Response-to-Intervention (RTI) process is explained, along with descriptions of assessment procedures within RTI: functional assessment, authentic assessment, curriculum-based measurement, and play-based assessment. Psychometric issues relevant to RTI and standardized testing are discussed. [6] Dykeman, Bruce F. (2009) Response to Intervention: The Functional Assessment of Children Returning to School with Traumatic Brain Injury. Education, v130 n2 p295-300 Win 2009. Retrieved January 18, 2013 from http://www. eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini. jsp? _nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSe arch_SearchValue_0=EJ871665&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ87166 5 Abstract Children with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) face many demands when completing their rehabilitation and returning to school. Although the prognosis can be favorable for many children, the course of recovery poses unique challenges for children and staff alike. To this end, a functional assessment of TBI children within a Response-to-Intervention (RTI) model provides a comprehensive strategy of easing transition to the school and charting progress throughout the course of recovery. Literature is reviewed and applicability to the RTI model is discussed. [7] Fabiano, G. A. et. al. (2010) Enhancing the effectiveness of special education programming for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder using a daily report card. School Psychology Review; 2010, Vol.39 Issue 2, p219-239, 21p. Retrieved January 19, 2013 from http://0web. ebscohost. com. lib1000. dlsu. edu. ph/ehost/detail? sid=639450fe-4a86-49fa-858914d34d130ecc%40sessionmgr4&vid=1&hid=11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ% 3d%3d. Abstract Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) make up a considerable proportion of students who receive special education services in schools. The present study aimed to enhance the outcomes of students with ADHD in special education settings by using a daily report card (DRC). Thirty-three children with ADHD in special education placements were randomly assigned to an intervention condition wherein behavioral consultants worked with the teacher and parent to construct and implement a DRC based on the child’s individualized education plan goals and objectives. These children were compared to 30 children in a business as usual control condition. Results indicated positive effects of the DRC on observations of classroom functioning, individualized education plan goal attainment, and teacher ratings of academic productivity and disruptive behavior in the classroom. Further, a greater percentage of children with ADHD in the DRC group were normalized on measures of disruptive behavior and impairment. The intervention did not result in incremental improvement in academic achievement, teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms or impairment, or the student-teacher relationship. The implications of these results for working with children with ADHD in special education settings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] [8] Grigorenko E. L. (2010). Dynamic assessment and response to intervention: Two sides of one coin. Journal of Learning Disability 42 [2] 111-132. Retrieved January 18, 2013 from http://ldx. sagepub. com/content/42/2/111. full. pdf+html Abstract This article compares and contrasts the main features of dynamic testing and assessment (DT/A) and response to intervention (RTI). The comparison is carried out along the following lines: (a) historical and empirical roots of both concepts, (b) premises underlying DT/A and RTI, (c) terms used in these concepts, (d) use of these concepts, (e) evidence in support of DT/A and RTI, and (f) expectations associated with each of the concepts. The main outcome of this comparison is a conclusion that both approaches belong to one family of methodologies in psychology and education whose key feature is in blending assessment and intervention in one holistic activity. Because DT/A has been around much longer than RTI, it makes sense for the proponents of RTI to consider both the accomplishments and frustrations that have accumulated in the field of DT/A. [9] Haydon T. (2012). Using functional behavior assessment to match task difficulty for a 5th grade student: A case study. Education Treatment of Children, 35 [3], 459-476 Abstract We used an AB design with a control condition to examine the effects of an academic strategy on a student with a learning disability during a 5th grade math class. During baseline the student had high rates of disruptive behavior, low percentages of intervals of on-task behavior, and low percentages of correct responses. An antecedent-based intervention was developed to target the student’s escape-maintained behavior during independent seatwork. The intervention consisted of matching task difficulty with the student’s level of performance based on his success in a special education resource room. During intervention the targeted student demonstrated lower rates of disruptive behavior, higher levels of on-task behavior, and higher percentages of correct responses. The student’s positive results were compared to his performance in a special education resource room. A discussion on study limitations, implications, and future research directions is included. [10] Kern L. (2007). Functional Assessment-Based Intervention for Selective Mutism. Behavioral Disorders; Feb2007, Vol. 32 Issue 2, p94-108, 15p. Retrieved January 19, 2013 from http://0-web. ebscohost. com. lib1000. dlsu. edu. ph/ehost/detail? sid=652066c08587-4865-a2d7fd85e2d7e7c5%40sessionmgr11&vid=1&hid=11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ %3d%3d Abstract The process of functional assessment has emerged as an essential component for intervention development. Applications across divergent types of problem behavior, however, remain limited. This study evaluated the applicability of this promising approach to students with selective mutism. Two middle school students served as participants. The functional assessment included indirect and direct methods as well as a specially designed student interview that did not require speech. Individualized interventions were developed and experimentally evaluated. Results indicated that the assessment-based interventions effectively increased speaking in school contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] [11]. Lynch, S. & Adams, P. (2008) Developing Standards-Based Individualized Education Program Objectives for Students With Significant Needs. Teaching Exceptional Children; Jan/Feb2008, Vol. 40 Issue 3, p36-39, 4p. Retrieved January 19, 2013 from http://0-web. ebscohost. com. lib1000. dlsu. edu. ph/ehost/detail? sid=ca2e5664-4ebc-4a20800f8331f3bca0c6%40sessionmgr4&vid=1&hid=11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ% 3d%3d.

Essay on Lower the Drinking Age To 18 - 453 Words

The age of drinking has been an issue in our country for a long time and there are many regards on why the age is set at 21. The federal government should not impose a drinking age of 21. The drinking age should be lowered to the age of 18 for the following reasons; one, most people between the age of 18-20 are drinking alcohol already, and two, you should have the right to purchase alcohol when you reach the age of 18, because that is the age when you are considered and adult and have many rights and freedom. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;It is common to find people under the age of 21 in the possession of alcohol. In allot of gatherings such as Faternity and High Shool parties, drinking is the main thing going†¦show more content†¦The High School students drink to and a friday night for them and college students usually has alcohol involved in it. In allot of cases, many upper classmates will buy the lower classmates alcohol and even go and get drunk with them on the weekends. It is very easy to get alcohol and this shows that consuming alcohol at the age of 18 is tolerant. So I don’t see why the government makes a law that most people don’t follow anyways. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The second reason to change the legal drinking age to 18 is because you are considered to be an adult at this age. When you are 18 you have the right to vote, get married, go to war, buy a gun, and plus your prosecuted as an adult when your charged with a crime. That same person, however, cannot walk into the bar after a hard days work and enjoy a glass of beer or wine. That’s funny that the government basically says that when your 18 you can go to war and die for your country and then says that same person is not responsible enough when it comes to drinking. This is a violation to ones freedom as an adult. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Alcohol has been a topic among people under the age of 21 for a long time. Many underage people can and will get alcohol if they want it, there is always someone out there who will buy it for them. Nevertheless the legal age to drink and purchase alcohol should be change from 21 to 18, because of the reasonShow MoreRelatedTo Lower or Not to Lower the Legal Drinking Age to 18, That Is the Question881 Words   |  4 Pagesthat binge drinking is on the rise among college students (Eisenberg n.p.). With an increase of alcohol consumption by underage drinkers, it only seems logical to lower the drinking age to prevent binge drinking, however there are far more consequences to be seen. Lowering the drinking age to 18 will not solve the binge drinking problem among college students but will cause more problems. In this paper I will explain the reason why lowering the drinking age will not stop binge drinking and the adverseRead MoreAnalyzing the Demand to Lower the Drinking Age to 181933 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿Analyzing the Push to Lower the Drinking Age to 18 Introduction According to Andrew Mark Lisa in the preface to his online petition to see the national drinking age limit lowered, it is not only young people but also colleges across America who are interested in promoting legislation that will lower the drinking age. Lisa references a Time magazine article, which quotes Dartmouth College President James Wright as stating that a lowered age limit would help prevent alcohol abuse because campusesRead MoreEssay about Lower the Drinking Age To 18561 Words   |  3 Pages The drinking age in the United States is a contradiction. At the age of eighteen, one can drive a car, vote in an election, get married, serve in the military and buy tobacco products. In the United States you are legally an adult at eighteen. An eighteen-year-old, however, cannot purchase alcoholic beverages. The minimum drinking age should be lowered from twenty-one in the United States. Unbelievably, the United States citizens trust their sixteen-year-old children to drive three thousand poundRead MoreEssay about Why the Drinking Age Should Be Lowered to 18872 Words   |  4 PagesLowering the drinking age to 18 would make a lot of sense in the world. Lowering the drinking age to 18 would make more sense. It would be better for the teens that drink on college campus. The drinking age should be lowered to 18 because you can vote at eighteen, buy tobacco, it’ll reduce the thrill of breaking the law, evidence supports that early introduction of drinking is the safest way to reduce juvenile alcohol abuse, and college people that are not 21 drink also. If teenagers that are nowRead MoreWhy Lowering The Drinking Age Is A Good Idea?. Lowering1627 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Drinking Age is a Good Idea? Lowering the drinking age to 18 in the United States has been a source of controversy in recent years. It has been a controversial topic because many people disagree, while many agree with the topic. For example, the people who disagree and are against lowering the drinking age to 18 believe we should not lower the drinking age because 18 year old individuals are not responsible enough to drink alcohol. While, the people who agree we should lower the drinking ageRead MoreThe Minimum Legal Drinking Age1594 Words   |  7 PagesThe Drinking Age is Safer than You Thought As Americans, we are always wondering what we can do to save lives. We suspect cancer, disease, suicide, violence, and distracted driving as taking the lives of our fellow Americans. What you may not know, is that we are already saving lives, and we have been since 1984 because of one simple law. The Uniform Drinking Age Act of 1984 moved the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21. Lowering the drinking age is a step backward for our safety and ourRead MoreLowering Legal Drinking Age Essay1417 Words   |  6 PagesLowering the Drinking Age Half the United States population starts drinking at the age of 14.When you are 18 you have privileges like joining the army. (Mitch Adams Lowering the drinking age page 1) You can go to war and die for your country but you still can not enjoy an ice cold beer. (Mitch Adams Lowering the drinking age page 1) How is being 21 different from being 18? How does three more years of not drinking make you mature enough to drink? The longer you drink the more you start toRead MoreWhy Lower the Legal Drinking Age?801 Words   |  3 Pagesthat lower the drinking age below 21 lose 10% of their annual federal highway appropriations (Haevens). This is the main reason the legal drinking age has not been lower below 21 years of age.a large number of the general population desires a lower drinking age. In the 25 years since the legal drinking age was set at 21, seven states have tried to lower it. (Wechsier ).It is unfair for the federal government to withhold money from states if they exercise their rights to set the legal drinking ageRead MoreUnderage Drinking Is Part Of The Culture Of College1734 Words   |  7 PagesI did discover is that underage drinking is part of the culture in college, also the friends that I had in high school who are 21 now I have discovered they drink some of the least amount now. Which has begun to make me wonder why people who are 21 drink less than people who are underage. I believe that when people are 21 they now do not have to worry about the next time they can get alcohol. Congress should lower the drinking age from 21 to 18 because at age 18 when they are in c ollege, for someRead MoreLower the Drinking Age Essay examples1430 Words   |  6 Pages Lowering the drinking age to 18 would help prevent the crime and personal injuries that are caused by alcohol abuse. Although many states are trying to get the drinking age lowered, there are many groups and national statistics that are keeping the drinking set at 21. For example, â€Å"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says laws setting the drinking age at 21 have cut traffic fatalities involving drivers by 13 percent† (Keen). They are hoping that by keeping the age set at 21, people