Describe what leadership is and all the relevant leadership styles

Describe what leadership is and all the relevant leadership styles There are various definitions and concepts by a variety of people it comes to defining leadership. According to G a Cole leadership is a dynamic process in a group whereby one individual influences the others contribute voluntarily to the achievement of group tasks in a given situation. Leadership engages other people, for example subordinates. The role of the leader is to direct subordinates towards set goals or aims and objectives of the group or the business. Subordinates help define a leaders status by how much there are willing to listen and accept direction from the leader. Weak leaders tend to have no respect from group members and find it hard if not impossible to direct them. Leadership involves an unequal division of power between the people or person in charge and group members. This allows order and coordination within a group or organisation if there is one clear leader, employees will know who to refer to for confirmation on decisions or when problems arise. It should be noted however that some employees are note entirely powerless; they do contribute and shape activities in the group in various ways. If a group is to be highly effective and successful every member needs to contribute and play a part form start to finish, but more power usually concentrated in the hands of the leader. Different leaders have different forms of power; reward, coercive, legitimate, referent and expert power. Reward power is formed on the leader having the skill to reward group members for getting instructions done and achieving set goals. Employees are more likely to work harder if they know their efforts will be recognised and rewarded. Rewards could include promotion, pay rise or a bonus. Reward power is highly used in the workforce as a form of disciplining and motivating employees. Coercive power is formed on the leaders capability to make subordinates accountable for not achieving objectives or getting their job done on time. Through coercive power subordinates are aware that failure to meet job requirements might lead to tell off or job loss. Legitimate power is a form of formal authority, it usually comes with the job. Under legitimate power employees recognize the fact that the leader has the authority to exercise influence over them. In many cases employees are obliged to accept this power and failure to concur will mostly result in them being reprimanded or made redundant. Expert power is formed on the principle that the leader has the significant skills and expertise that other members in the group do not. Subordinates are more likely to respect, accept and acknowledge the leaders authority and leadership if they are know he/she is more experienced that there are in that field. Referent power comes from the other group members desire to be like their leader. This type of leadership usually links with charismatic and pragmatic leaders. James A F Stoner notes that possession of some or all of [the above powers] does not guarantee the ability to influence particular individuals in specific ways. A leader may have subordinates approbation as a specialist but still fails to motivate or make them more corporative in the workforce. A good leader must have the capacity and skills to draw upon and use the various forms of power to be able to influence employees. Good leaders must possess the power of influence if employees are to do the work that is required of them, on schedule and in some cases on budget. As a individual a leader must be able to look ahead, identify how to get ahead and guide colleagues ahead. For a leader to be successful according to Tim Hannagan he/she must share common goals with those around or have the skills to steer group members towards their way of thinking. Employees must intern momentarily give up their own views in favour of the leaders and the rest of the group, listening to other group members and compromising. Although employees go about different ways in achieving company objectives à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦they accede to the preferences of the leader in exchange for the rewards they expect to receive as a result. Tim Hannagan 2005. Effective leaders motivate their employees by convincing them that the aims set for them is the best way to get the job done and will provide a better result. Happy employees work hard and are more likely to achieve the common objectives of the business or group. Leaders are in charge of employees under them therefore responsible for them and their actions in the workforce there are held accountable for the success and failure of their team. The accountability makes it comparative that the leader makes the best decisions, manages the team and communicates effectively with employees in such a way that action is taken and unneeded costly mistakes that could cost the leader, team members or the organisation avoided. Leadership involves avoiding obstacles and if they should arise overcoming them in the most cost effective way possible. The business environment as shown by the unexpected financial crisis is very unpredictable, so leaders need to be pragmatic and innovative if there are to survive and stay on top is an economic, technological and social environment that forever changing. The 21st century static business environment is rapidly changing and leaders need to evolve with the times if there are to retain employees and be successful. According to Hannagan leadership can be seen as performing the influencing function of management largely involved with establishing gaols and motivating people to help achieve them. In management there are various leadership styles and different leaders fall under different styles. Good leaders tend to use a style of leadership in response to the workforce or situation concerned to achieve the best result possible. There are old and modern styles of leadership, including; Transactional, Transformational, Participative and Situational Leadership. 1.Situational Leadership Situational leadership is ..an approach to determining the most effective style of influencing, considering the direction and support a leader gives, and the readiness of followers to perform particular tasks. David Buchanan, 2004. Situational leaders should be able to change their leadership style in response to the teams developing or changing behaviour, for example experience or willingness to accept responsibility. Blanchard and Heresy (1982) believe the maturity of the employee determine the leadership style of the leader, they believe that employer and employee relationship move through four stage. As employees become more experienced and skilled, the employer will need to change his style of leadership to motivate and take advantage of employees new found skills to make the team more effective, The Situational Model of Leadership SOURCE : OBNotes.HTM by WILF H. RATZBURG D1: LOW COMPETENCE HIGH COMMITMENT D2: SOME COMPETENCE LOW COMMITMENT D3: HIGH COMPETENCE VARIABLE COMMITMENT D4: HIGH COMPETENCE HIGH COMMITMENT As the diagram above shows the situational model of leadership has four stages : Phase 1 Directing . New subordinates are instructed in their tasks and the corporations procedures and rules. In the initial phase employees are given a lot of tasks by the leader. Subordinates are trained in their tasks as they are being familiarised to the organisation. They are told what to do, when and how to do given tasks. this is arguably a good and effective way to introduce new employees as a non directive [leader] would cause anxiety and confusion in new.. employees whilst a participatory, high relationship behaviour approach would à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦be inappropriate at this stage because the [employee] requires structure. James A.F Stoner, 1995. Phase 2 Coaching. In phase two there is more relationship behaviour than in stage one as subordinates become more accustomed to their job and the business. In this stage the participatory leadership style can be adopted as employees are considered to want more responsibility. Employees are more likely to seek more responsibility as they have become accustomed to the environment including how their leader wants tasks handled and completed. Task behaviour however remains necessary as employees still need structure to complete their work. The leaders trust and support for subordinates will increase at this stage as the leader becomes familiar with the team and wishes to encourage their efforts further. Phase 3 Participating. At this stage subordinates are more skilled and achievement motivation becomes mote noticeable which will lead to subordinates seeking more responsibility. As the employees become more experienced the leader will no longer need to strictly direct employees, in most cases skilled employees dislike autocratic leaders as they feel there are experienced enough to carry out certain task without strict supervision. There is a lot of interaction and support but little direction and task behaviour. The leader should however continually motivate employees by being supportive and considerate, if he/she is to bring out the best of employees. Phase 4 Delegating. High levels of delegation from the leader as employees are more confident, experienced and self-directing. Kenneth and Heresy feel that at this stage an employee no longer expect direction from their leader. There is less task or relationship behaviour. Under this leadership style leaders should constantly assess employee experience, motivation and ability to decide on which style is appropriate under changing conditions. If the leader chooses the most effective style there should be able to develop subordinates professionally and at the same time motivating them. The ability to be able to shift leadership styles is arguably a skill any good leader should possess as leaders are faced with different evolving situations on a daily bases. Leaders who are trained to flexibly use various leadership styles when faced with changing situations use the situational leadership style effectively as they know when to adapt or change to a different style. Leaders who are not trained to be flexible are likely to be more effective in situations that match their style of leadership. Failure to adapt will cause the leaders team to lack direction and to be less effective than if they had a flexible leader. 2. Participative leadership Participative leaders have total trust and confidence in employees. Leaders will always ask employees for ideas and opinions and then constructively use the ideas to further the groups or the organisations success. There is a lot of communication between the leader and employees and employees will be rewarded for their participation in the group. Being involved in the process of decision making help motivate and make employees more committed to their job and the business. When faced with unexpected problems employees are more willing to help as they no their input will be taken into account. Involving a group of people in the decision making ensures a better outcome, as suggestions are thoroughly analysed before the final decision is reached. Group decision making also unites employees as the social commitment amongst the group members is greater. Employees are more likely to corporate and come up with new ideas if they feel comfortable with the people around them. Leaders who adopt this style of leadership when operating usually have the greatest success as leaders. Businesses that use the participative style of leadership could be said to be the most successful in setting goals and achieving them and are also usually more productive. The success is due to the degree of participation and the maintenance of employee support for one another and from the leader. Participative leaders can improve the businesses effectiveness by using the skills, experience and knowledge of the workforce. Employees who feel and are involved setting business standards are more likely to feel ownership for the decisions made and tend to: Accept the legitimacy of decisions reached with their help; Accept change based on those decisions; Trust managers who ultimately ratify and implement decisions; Volunteer new and creative ideas and solutions. [David Buchanan 2004] It should be noted that it is the leaders choice to give or deny control to surbodinat6es under his control. Although an organisation might require their its leaders to use this type of leadership style, a manager might chose not to use it as effectively as they possibly can as they might feel involving subordinates in decision making might threaten their job position. The level of employee participation also depends on the sort of decision being made. Subordinates are usually involved when deciding on how to put goals into action, whereas employee evaluation on those decisions is done by the leader. Participative leadership is highly democratic and empowers employees. 3. Transactional leadership A transactional leader is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a leader who treats relationships with [employees] in terms of an exchange, giving [employees] what they want in return for what the leader desires, following prescribed tasks to pursue established goals. Transactional leaders perceive their association with employees in terms of bargains; they believe that employees are motivated by reward and punishment and not their willingness to work. Transactional leaders aim to create clear structures, where employees know exactly what they are expected to do. These type of leaders believe that social system are more effective with a clear chain of command, when employee are expected to yield all authority to their leader. Leaders who use this leadership style decide what subordinates need to do to attain their own and the corporations aims and objectives and help subordinates become confident in believing they can achieve the set aims and objectives through hard work, but employees are expected to do what they are told by the leader in all cases. Failure to comply with leaders instructions will lead to formal discipline which might result in job loss. As soon as a potential employee becomes an employee it becomes transparent the leader is in charge and in control. Employees who are successful under transactional leaders are usually the ones that follow orders Transactional leaders deem employees to be completely responsible for their work despite their skills, experience or resources. Subordinates are expected to take full responsibility for their work, success will be recognised and rewarded while failure is seen to be personally the subordinates fault despite internal or external influences that might have contributed to objectives not being met. Leader who use this type of leadership style believe that employees require little attention if they are meeting expectations or operating as expected. There is a variety of leaders that use this type of leadership. The leadership style might be effective with employees who are used to an autocratic leadership style and who work well under strictly structured conditions. The success of the leader is assured when the leadership style aligns with the work environment. Employees who are highly skilled and experienced are likely to despise and be unhappy under this type of leadership if it is constantly being used by the manager as they might feel they have more to offer to the business and will therefore despise being constantly told how to their job. Unhappy workers are unlikely to perform to the best of their ability and find a new job else where. .

History of The Guillotine :: essays research papers

The guillotine was first introduced during the French Revolution by a man named Dr. Joseph Ignace Guillotin. He is a physician who first was involved with the issues of medicine. On December 1, 1789 he became interested in the idea of capital punishment. He invented the guillotine. It was a contraption used for causing immediate and painless death. It included a falling blade, running between two upright boards of wood and later a basket. Therefore, one may believe that the design of the guillotine helped with executions. The basket was used to catch the falling heads. In the early revolution Richard Clark said that originally a wicker basket lined with an oil cloth had been used to catch the head. Later on a metal bucket was used to prevent the blood from flowing through the streets. Since they guillotined so any people the bucket became a necessity to have. Along with this it helped to prevent the smell of death in the streets. The most important part of the guillotine is of course the blade. The first guillotine was built with a blade that was straight across. When someone had to be decapitated,force and exact precision were needed in order for it to be a success (Jonas L. Bulman). If the blade did not hit the exact spot on the neck it would become as thought it was an axe. It would hack away until the head came off. After all the chopping, the blade would often become dull. Throughout the revolution the blade was changed, it became angled. The angling of the blade helped to kill faster. It would not become dull as quickly and it would slice straight through without having to chop. The blade was made from steel and weighed about 40 kgs. To work the blade it was pulled to the top of the contraption then released with the cord to give it a quick reaction. With the quickness of the blade it was estimated that it took about .75th of a second to be guillotined. The bascule was invented later on through the revolution. Due to the fact it was found to be easier then forcing a struggling prisoner up a flight of steps. With the bascule a prisoner could just be bound to it then tipped over and moved into position to be guillotined. The bascule was made of wood and shaped like a plank. A prisoner would be strapped to it by their feet, ankles and waist.

Freedom of Press or Danger to Troops? Essay examples -- essays researc

Freedom of Press or Danger to Troops? The news has been an important source of information for as long as it has been around. News during a time of war is sometimes the only way a family member, friend, or general public have any idea what the soldiers are going through. Having this source of information can help rally support for our troops when they need all the support they can get. As reporters are granted more access to military operations the information they are provided, and have to report on, become a great responsibility and they should make sure to only make public what should be made public. Information is increasingly becoming the most important weapon in any militaries arsenal, so we should be more careful as to how that information is obtained and dispersed. With respect to the war in Iraq and other military operations abroad I don’t feel the press should be required to be given as much information or granted as much battlefield access as they have been. I am all for the freedom of the press and being informed as to what is happening to our troops, but to many times has information been distributed that could have had a negative impact on the outcome of an operation. One example is when Geraldo Rivera basically drew out in the sand on live television the position of the troops he was tagging along with. â€Å"Geraldo Rivera, reporting from Iraq for Fox News last week, drew a map in the sand, on camera, that gave away his unit's location† (Poniewozik 1). As he should...

Comparison between Spanish and British methods of colonization

Making a comparison between the Spanish and British methods of colonization can be useful to comprehend all the motives our ancestors had to impose its civilization in America and also to understand all the consequences of all this events that at the present time can be noticed. The Spanish colonization of America began with the entrance in the western hemisphere of Christopher Columbus in 1942, influenced by the necessity to find an alternative route for the trade of spices as well as the grown desires to find gold and silver.Is well known that one of the most powerful purposes of Spanish was to take maximum advantage of the resources of America, especially the gold, in order to return to Spain and become a wealthy kingdom. One of the obstacles Spanish people found in their way to attain their goal were the extensive areas with huge quantity of native population that inhabited the American continent in addition to their different foreign language. Another important factor that limit ed the Spanish people was the diseases they brought with themselves. Since the native populations did not have any resistance to those diseases, the American population decimated.The limitations they had were as important as the choices they decided to make. One of the actions they made was to displace the original cultures that already were established in the American territory in order to take their land and organize it under their sovereignty. Another aspect they established was that the Native Americans would not be submitted to a slavery regime, but to a regime of â€Å"Encomienda† (commission). The Encomienda established that the Indians had to work obligatorily for the Spanish person that was turning out to be their agent.One of the most outstanding consequences of all of these events, was the slowly but surely destruction of most of the Natives because of the European diseases and the systems of forced labor (such as the Encomienda). Another result was the conversion of the American population to the Catholicism, forced by the Spanish Empire. This particular mission was widely successful since nowadays half of the Catholics of the world live in Latin America. Also is important to mention the Mestizo class formed by the Natives and the Spanish intermarriages. In the other hand, British colonization of America began in the late 16th century.Unlike the Spanish, the British were looking for richness for themselves and not for their empire. Another difference is that the British came to America not with the intention to conquer and exploit this new land, but simply with the desire to settle themselves in it. The limitations that stopped the British to attain their goal are similar to the constraints Spaniards had. A few of those are the European diseases and the language as well as the native population that inhabited America, even though at that moment there was a small number of natives the British tried to colonize. The British made very different decisions than the Spanish did.Instead of returning to Europe and make their country a wealthy nation, they preferred to begin a new life in a new land. They created farms and built cities. They also used a different regime called â€Å"Headright System† that consisted in granting every male head of household who came to the New World a land of 50 acres. The outcomes of the British method of colonization have one aspect similar to the Spanish: the destruction of the Indian culture, mainly because of the European diseases. But contrary to the Spanish situation, in the British sector the â€Å"mestizaje† was very low or non-existent.Also, we can observe that the British were successful on having fulfilled their goal of beginning a new life in a new land. Finally I consider the Spanish were incredibly cruel in their colonization method. On the other hand I believe the British used a better method giving to their colonization a certain freedom of development and respectin g their culture in a certain level. I believe that it was a more civilized way of having the natives calmed, and clearly the correct way. This can be noticed now when we see that the countries colonized by England have a more notable advance in technology and civilization.

Distribution of Product: Daing Na Bangus Essay

I.Products Boneless Bangus Boneless Bangus also known as â€Å"Daing na bangus† was one of the famous foods in the Philippines and it is one of the delicious and nutritious foods loved by most Filipinos. Fish like bangus contains proteins, fats, vitamins, calcium and iodine that is needed by our body towards a good and a healthy lifestyle. Through the process of deboning milkfish and marinating with vinegar and garlic, the product Daing na bangus became known in the country. Dagupan City is one of the famous sources of daing na bangus particularly Bonuan for its perfect and delicious taste. Daing can be served with plain rice or fried rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are readily marinated to a good taste that will surely be loved by the customers. Boneless bangus lasts for about ten (10) days up to two (2) weeks upon good preservation. If not, it will be perished. Daing are placed into packs that consist of three (3) medium pieces. The group gets the product by pack; usually the price from Dagupan is ranging from P75.00 to P80.00 per pack. The group sells them at P100 per pack so as to earn a reasonable profit. Source of the Product The product daing came from Magsaysay Market Avenue, Fernandez St. Dagupan City Pangasinan. It is quite far from Muà ±oz, Nueva Ecija that is why the transportation cost may lessen the profit that the group can be earned. Luckily one of the group member’s brother works there. During weekends he goes back to Muà ±oz to spend time with his family. The group asked him if he is willing to be the medium for delivery, so that the group can save a minimal amount of transportation cost. Fortunately he agreed upon the request of the group. From Dagupan market, daing na bangus is being transported in Muà ±oz, Nueva Ecija then the group distributes it to their customers. II. Why Product was chosen for Distribution? The group thinks of a food product that will be easily bought by the customers at an affordable price with nutrients good for our body. The group chose daing for distribution activity because the product is easy to market since it is affordable and considered as an all time-favorite by most Filipinos. It can be served in the breakfast, lunch, and even dinner time. The group also considers the source of the product; one of the group members has already a contact to the dealer of daing in Dagupan City that will surely deliver fresh daing at the time the customers needed the product. Selling perishable products takes difficulty for the distributors because they need to ensure that their products are still in good condition when it is delivered to final consumers. Perishable products need time, proper management, and proper handling upon selling to be able to guaranty customers that they will receive a good product. The group also wants to ensure that the consumers will be able to receiv e proper nutrients. III.Persons involved Tasks of the Group Members All group members performed equal tasks. The products are equally distributed to the group members and they are able to sold daing to their respective places, neighbors, friends, classmates and schoolmates. Other group members sold it directly in the market, canteens and stores. After experiencing selling individually, the group agreed to sell it as a whole. Starlet, being one who is responsible to contact her brother have done her part by informing him when and how many daing orders are going to be delivered to the group. She is also responsible for bringing the products to the group after she gets it from her brother. Maila have done her tasks successfully in distributing and selling daing. On the first order, Maila, being one of the members of the JBEES organization, asked help to the organization in distributing and selling bangus, they successfully sold out eighty (80) packs of daing na bangus. After that, she sells bangus by herself to gain profit as well as experience selling such product. She sold it to her family, neighbors, friends, and even professors in CLSU. Shekinah, another member of the group, have done her part successfully by selling daing not only to her family, neighbors, friends, and schoolmates but also to her churchmates and to stores near to their house. Jay-Ann sold her daing to her friends, classmates and boardmates. By means of connecting to other people, called networking, the group had fast distribution and sale. While selling daing, she also sold mushrooms on her own in order to have a high profit. Starlet uses her connections to other people in order to sell her products immediately; she sold bangus to her organization, family and friends. Chris John Paul also used his being a marketer. After he sold proportionate number of daing, he makes Maja Blanca on his own strategy and sold it to his classmates. After selling individually, the group agreed to help each other for faster distribution and sale. The group sells inside CLSU that is why it takes short period of time selling those products. The group went to Old Market and offered them the product. They also offered daing to the tricycle drivers inside CLSU and to the construction workers currently working in the hostel. About twenty workers bought the product and they really liked its taste that is why they bought another twenty pieces to the group. The group makes sure that their product, daing na bangus, are fresh and delicious. Before placing an order, the group has to make sure that they can dispose the product fast to maintain its good taste. If there are excess daing, the group puts it on a proper storage to maintain the good quality of the product. Reasons Why Tasks are done As part of the distribution activity the group members has to cooperate to the group. Each member did those tasks because they want to acquire more knowledge about selling products. They have to experience persuading customers to buy their products. They want to have a good communication to other people to easily sell and distribute their products. They did those tasks to be more trained and confident on dealing with different people in the near future. Also, they want to have profit from the selling activity. And most of all, they want to see themselves done those tasks successfully and confidently. IV. How Undertaken Duration of the Activity The selling activity started on June 28, 2010 and ended on August 23, 2010. V. Who were the customers and why were they chosen? The group members’ customers are their classmates, friends, professors, family, neighbors, nato tricycle drivers, and construction workers in CLSU. The group sold daing to their classmates since many of them are living on a dormitory, and boarding house. Their classmates commonly had problem thinking of their viand for their meals that is why some of them bought daing from the group. Since one pack of daing consists of three (3) pieces, they can share it to their board mates or roommates so that the cost will be cheaper. They also sold daing to their friends inside and outside CLSU. They spread the message about the product through the use of cellphone. If for some reasons their friends have no money, they will still find ways to endorse the product to their friends so that it will be more fast and easy for the group. The group, being persistent to their selling activity, sold their products even to their professors. Mostly, their professors are easy to persuade since most of them have their own family and they always think of a dish for their family’s dinner before they got home during afternoon. That is why they are easy to convince and they are familiar to the boneless bangus’ deliciously taste. During the first distribution, some of the group members bought daing for their family’s consumption. For them, it is really worth buying because of its taste and nutrients. Commonly, it can be served with a mixed tomato, onion and â€Å"alamang† or other vegetable dishes. It can also be served on breakfast with fried rice which commonly favored by most family members. Neighbors are easily reached by the members, most of them often stayed at their house that is why anytime, they could get the products. The nato tricycle drivers are quite hard to persuade into buying the groups product, daing, their main reason is their low daily income. The group exerted patience on persuading them until such time there are drivers who bought the product. The construction workers are currently working on CLSU hostel, upon convincing them they first thought of their salary because they usually get their salaries during Saturdays and we sell daing on weekdays. On that case, a deal has been made. The group sold daing to them on credit. The group could give the Boneless bangus to them upon delivery from Dagupan and so they are going to pay on the stipulated date. VI,. Approach to Customers Convincing people to buy â€Å"Boneless Bangus† is quite difficult for the group. Aside from the fact that the product is in good quality, delicious and affordable; a good approach to customers is highly important. First, the group introduced themselves as a marketing student and selling is part of the distribution activity as a fulfillment to their subject Marketing305. Second, they approached their customers politely and educate them about the product; where it is made and how it is being made. Their selling skills helped them easily dispose the products. They make sure that they are knowledgeable about the product they are offering, and have a good customer relationship to their buyers. These are the elements to have a successful selling activity. Benefits and Advantages of the Product Nowadays many people die from cancer, heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other diseases because of their bad eating habits. That is why one must have to be conscious about their health. The product â€Å"Boneless Bangus† is nutritious that is rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, calcium and iodine. Nutrition experts say that protein from fish like bangus contains more of the essential amino acids needed to build and repair cells for the body. Aside from protein and iodine, fish also gives fat which is a source of heat and energy for work and play. Fat from fish is easy to digest because it has a low melting point. Calcium is also found in fish and this helps in body-building and regulating processes and is distributed evenly in the body. Vitamins B2 and B5, called niacin and riboflavin, respectively, are also contained in fish. These B-vitamins help keep the eyes and skin particularly in the mouth and nose healthy. Eating fish like boneless bangus will lessen the probability of having those kinds of sicknesses. Aside from that it tastes good because it is marinated with vinegar and garlic. It is also affordable and easy to prepare; for just P100 you can have three (3) medium pieces of boneless Bangus that is guaranteed fresh. The fact that daing na bangus is deboned, it will be easier and safe to eat especially to kids and adults.

Chapter two - Mississippi schools Essay Example for Free

Chapter two – Mississippi schools Essay The following literature focuses on how schools in the Mississippi School district and nationwide are implementing school improvement plans and closing the achievement gap. In School Improvement and Closing the Achievement Gap Report 2003-2004 the accountability of Mississippi Schools past and present is discussed (2004) and Craig Jerald, author of Dispelling the Myth discusses how nationwide high poverty, high minority schools have high achieving students (2001). Both reports will be discussed here. The researcher wanted to know how many high-poverty and high minority schools nationwide have high student performance. The study used the Education Trust Database to identify certain criteria. Over 4500 schools were analyzed. Each meeting the criteria set and performing well above the expectation (2001). Both papers discuss the achievement gap, more importantly they reported the areas of greatest improvement. The Achievement Gap Report (2004) focused on the Mississippi school districts. It gave an accountability report on those school districts that have been struggling, as well as providing a strategic outline to close the gap. Specific schools were used as models of for improving test scores. Dispelling the Myth (Jerald, 2001) focused on school districts nation wide. Although no reasons for poor school performance were given, the author did state that none of the schools were magnet schools. This report showed that most schools with high poverty, high minority students live in urban areas (2001). However, the more recently published Achievement Gap Report (2004) reported that some of the poorest schools are in rural areas. Dispelling the Myth (2001) looked at specific criteria for the study, whereas, the Achievement Gap Report (2004) did not. Both studies failed to look at specific schools and detail specific strategies used in improving the achievement gap. The Mississippi Achievement Gap Report (2004) plan made suggestions on how schools can improve, but a greater detail is needed to truly understand what each school did to improve scores. Model schools or a model program can be established based on greater research. Socioeconomic Influence Literature regarding reading programs was of most interest for this study. Several scientific journals addressed factors of low socioeconomic status and under achievement. The achievement gap found amongst low-income students was addressed in Education: The State We’re In (Donahue & Griggs, 2003). Substantial information was given on the obstacles facing high-poverty youth today. Reading proficiency among elementary school students of low-income families are at a disadvantage (2003). When studying low-income fourth graders, the author found that in 2003, across the nation, only fifteen percent are proficient in reading. The authors also demonstrated that the majority of low-income students read about three grades behind non-poor students (2003). Proficiency differences among races were briefly discussed; Similar disparities exist between white students and students of color; 39% of white 4th graders can read at the proficient level compared to only 12 % of African-American students and 14% of Latinos. Overall, about three in ten fourth graders can read proficiently, and this in itself is cause for concern. (2003) Parental Involvement, Instructional Expenditures, Family Socioeconomic Attributes, and Student Achievement (Okpala, et al, 2001). Parental involvement is a commonly discussed approach to establishing higher student achievement. A study done in North Carolina was based on three factors; (a) Instructional supplies expenditures will affect academic achievement positively; (b) the SES of students in a given school, measured by the percentage of students that participate in free/reduced-price lunch programs, will affect student achievement negatively; and (c) parental involvement that is measured by parental volunteer hours per 100 students will influence student achievement positively. These factors were beneficial in understanding the SES influence on successful reading programs. These factors and the results of this particular study will be investigated further throughout this study. Implementing Change A very brief but informative piece, Evidence from Project Star About Class Size and Student Achievement (Folgers & Breda, 1989) addressed three specific questions to ask oneself when considering changing programs. The three questions were; 1) How effective will the change be? 2) How much will it cost and 3) what are the problems of implementation? (1989) All three of these questions were found to be valuable when assessing existing programs, as well as when considering the necessary factors when looking to improve upon them. The Gallup Poll (1989 Survey) was reported to have an overwhelming approval from parents when asked about reducing class size. The problem with this strategy is that â€Å"reducing class size substantially is very costly† (1989). A widely researched program investigated during this study was the Accelerated Reader Program. One report (Melton, et. al. , 2004) demonstrated the uses and results of the AR program. By definition the Accelerated Readers program is â€Å"†¦a learning information system designed to heighten student interest in literature and to help teacher manage literature-based reading (McKnight, 1992). This study was particularly significant because it was conducted in two Jackson, Mississippi elementary schools. There has been extensive coverage of the AR program. A 2004 study compared the reading achievement growth of fifth graders following a year of participation in the AR program with other fifth graders who did not participate. The results demonstrated that students in the AR program actually scored significantly lower than non-participants. Although many studies show little to no benefits from the AR program, the program has provided a few guidelines; such guidelines include, 1) Engage students in large amount of reading practice with authentic material 2) students should read at their own individual reading level, and 3) student incentives such as ribbons or extra recess improves the odds of a students success. By using computer technology, teachers can use the AR program to assess students reading level and invite and motivate students to read material they find interesting (Vollands, et al. , 1999). Students are given a choice of books suited to their particular reading level. Random multiple choice tests are given to test students’ comprehension of the material. In a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (Dept. of Education) evaluation, AR programs and other computerized reading programs were reviewed (Chenowith, 2001). The lack of research on evaluated programs ability to produce long-term gains in reading achievement caused the National Institute to determine the AR programs did not meet standards (2001). Common complaints of the AR program include, 1) when the program ended, participating students went back to reading less than before participating 2) the AR program limited the choice of books available to a student because certain books that were not accompanied by an AR test were not valid (Chenowith, 2001) and 3) AR encourages children to read for the wrong reasons, for example to win a prize (Carter, 1996). However, as Chenowith (2001) noted, many parents responded to the latter, that it did not matter why students read, as long as they were in fact reading. Topping and Paul (1999) found that with the proper educator training on the AR program, the odds of successful student achievement with the program will improve. Students already in at risk in reading before the AR program will gain positive results when AR is implemented (Vollands, Topping and Evans, 1999). â€Å"Many elementary schools have adopted programs which encourage authentic reading time and aid in the development of reading skills for life (Melton, et al. , 2004). However, little research has been conducted on individual, less costly programs (2004). When studying the effects of the AR program on African American students and white students in Mississippi, black students scored lower (2004). Chapter two – Mississippi schools. (2017, May 20).

Celia, A Slave book Melton A. Mclaurin (Author) Essay

Celia, A Slave book Melton A. Mclaurin (Author) - Essay Example The purchase of Celia was less of a cook than it was a sexual object. However, was it right to convict Celia of murder while defending herself from her rapist master? In my opinion, it was unfair to put Celia to death while she was severing her relations with her master who had raped her for five years. The judicial process at the time shows that it was against the rights of slaves and did not care what they went through. Mr. Newsom characters also depict him as a pervert who had no respect for women. Newsom character seems to have changed for the worse when his wife died. He was lonely yes, like any other man but he could have maintained his family values and principles as he had his children around to console him. After purchasing Celia as black slave who was mandated to cook, Newsom started treating her like his wife. He forced Celia to have sex with him and eventually raped her (Mclaurin 15). Celia even though angered by the inhumane act perpetrated against her by her master could not find a place to air her grievances for the slaves had no legal redress to self defense in Missouri County. Newsom unacceptable behavior may have been persuaded by the fact that he knew that there were nowhere slaves would find justice. Furthermore, it is clear that he had no respect for women as he never cared about his two daughters who were in the same compound. Newsom prolonged his illicit behavior and bore two children with Celia while he knew very well that there existed no acquaintance bet ween him and Celia (Mclaurin 23). Another sign that portrays Newsom as a pervert is the unclear circumstances his older daughter Virginia got a son named Billy while still in his father’s compound. Even though Virginia was married to Waynescot, one year after her mother’s demise she returned to stay with her father (Mclaurin 9). Her husband might have died thus