Distance education programs an Example by

Distance education programs Introduction The topic of distance learning programs, of those existing in tribal colleges and the concept of introducing DL into other tribally controlled establishments, is the following compilation of information, questing for the answer if distance learning programs have a benefit to those within the tribal and reservation communities. Several subtopics will be discussed throughout the course of the document, covering the topics of tribal colleges and some history in relation to the formation of this academic institution (through examination of two college programs), highlights of distance learning programs and their contents, brief details regarding current reservation life, and the learning styles, based on traditional upbringing and values, of Native American students, along with profound percentages of drop-out rates, proceeding to a conclusion. Need essay sample on "Distance education programs" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Tribal Colleges Two tribal colleges, of the 24 tribally controlled institutions (2002), Oglala Lakota College and Northwest Indian College, stand out for examination of history, degree offerings, and availability of distance learning programs. Oglala Lakota College The first tribally controlled college in the United States, OLC is located in Kyle, South Dakota; this is the main center, otherwise known as Plya Wiconi (OLC website). Since its beginnings, several other sites have been set up throughout the state to facilitate educating tribal communities, of the Lakota nation in particular. This academic institution is located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, considered the poorest reservation, by economic standards. Sanctioned and governed by the tribe, the college seeks to meet the needs of the reservation residents in pursuit of higher education. A 13 member Board of Trustees, comprised of nine reservation district representatives, two tribal council members, one OST president or someone of designation, and one student representative, oversee decisions, new ideas, projects plans, etc.. Chartered in 1971 as the Lakota Education Center, OLC started as a non-accredited learning center for tribal residents, working in correlation with Black Hills State College, University of South Dakota, and South Dakota State University with various degree programs. Although considered a complicated educational system, it was functional for students attending those beginning years (OLC website). The first associate degrees were awarded in 1974, and in 1978, the colleges name changed to Oglala Sioux Community College. Degree offerings at the time were: BA Elementary Education, AA Education, General Studies, and Lakota Studies, along with AS Human Services and Nursing. The 1980s saw many changes for OLC, starting with eligibility for accreditation in 1983, along with another name change which reflected the status from a community college to a four year academic institution, along with using proper terms, according to linguistics and cultural awareness. Oglala Lakota College became the name for the college; there is no word in the communitys language for the word Sioux, therefore the word Lakota, meaning the people, came into use (OLC website). 1987, into the decade of the 90s, specifically 1992 and 1994, saw expansions with existing programs and degree availability. The following degrees became available to students: BA Lakota Studies, BS Human Services and Applied Sciences, and MA Tribal Leadership. Currently, in regards to distance learning programs, the Information Technology department for OLC uses distance learning/online program tools; otherwise, the idea of creating and utilizing a fully functional and profitable-both for the college and the student body-distance learning program is under examination for consideration of expansion of the colleges available programs. OLC board members believe in the philosophy of on-line courses, because of the concept of self-paced study, can present an opportunity to fit academia into regular life (OLC website). Northwest Indian College Founded in 1973 on the Lummi Indian Reservation in Washington State, NWIC began as the Lummi Indian School of Aquaculture; to this day, this academic establishment stands as the only accredited tribal college covering the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho (NWIC website). Since the beginning, the philosophy of NWIC has been to provide post-secondary education within the reservation community and that self-awareness serves as the foundation for achieving confidence, esteem, a true sense of pride, focuses on building a career, creating a self-sufficient lifestyle, and promoting life-long learning through the study of culture, values, and history of the people of the tribal community (NWIC website). The Lummi Indian Business Council recognized the educational needs of the community in 1983, and therefore chartered the school as the Lummi Community College. Five years later, the college was approved for accreditation by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges but was not granted full accreditation until 1993. 1989 saw the name change once again, and the academic establishment became known as the Northwest Indian College, becoming recognized as a four year academic establishment (NWIC website). The degrees and certificates available through the college are: AA Native American Studies, Oksale Native Education, and General Direct Transfer Degree; AS Life Sciences; AT Chemical Dependency Studies, Computer Maintenance and Networking, and Individualized Program. Certificate programs are: Native American Studies, Computer Repair Technician, and Individualized Program. Northwest Indian College currently has a fully functional distance learning program, which covers three different availabilities for learning away from the campus environment. Live interactive video, which utilizes K-20 Network (specifically in regards to the tri-state coverage), and connects the following tribal communities, to learning through the network: Makah, Swinomish, Tulalip, and Chief Leschi. On-line learning uses WebCT (other tribal colleges are turning towards this outlet for learning or experimenting with its availability and usage), which offers web-based courses; this can be entirely online study or implemented as a supplemental content to a standard classroom course. Students with a computer, web browser, and connection to the internet are eligible for this program outlet. Independent learning, taking another direction, is an individual, self-paced study directed by an instructor through the use of written materials or weekly teleconferences or videotapes. Communicati on between instructor and student occurs through phone, fax, or email (NWIC website). Distance Learning Programs As early as 2002, growth in on-line distance programs has been noticed. At the time, over half a million students were enrolled for the 2001-2002 academic year. Turning that into tuition dollars, the investment for on-line enrollment stood at $2.4 billion (Gallagher, 2003). A 40% annual growth was predicted to follow in the 2003-2004 academic year, which signified a 5% increase in distance learning programs. Distance learning seems to be fueled by the development and technical advances of web-based technology (Gruedemann, 2007). The consistency of serving local communities, and reaching out to long distance learners as well (considered the newest wave in marketing techniques to continue earning profits for colleges offering distance learning programs), making the programs accessible and flexible to adult students, based on quality and cost, while addressing various program requirements, is the basis of distance learning programs, encompassing various methods of accomplishing academic goals (Gallagher, 2003). Although some faculty members and students struggle to learn and teach within the guidelines of altered roles, and there is evidence of lack of face to face interaction, the benefits of distance learning programs are found through the ease of determined time for studying and meeting assignment deadlines for turning in finished materials, active learning is involved in motivating the student to take part in acquiring knowledge, preparation for real-life work is more tangible, critical thinking skills improve with independent study, and a satisfaction with the learning style can be noted among some students (Gruendemann, 2007). Reservation life-current conditions Although, since the first contact and over the course of history, European Americans have often distorted the reality of Native American communities through romanticizism, stereotyping, and appropriating spirituality, the opposite is to be found within the tribal community (Waller, Okamoto, Hankerson, Hibbeler, Hibbeler, McIntyre, and McAllen-Walker, 2002). There are currently 202 tribes, with 1.5 million residing on reservation land. Native Americans living on reservations still continue to experience high rates of unemployment and low life expectancy among the highest anywhere in the country. Reservations such as the Cheyenne Indian River Reservation, located in South Dakota, lacks water systems, making sanitary conditions nearly impossible, and the tribal members who are employed, survive on less than one-third of the American average income (Gundrum, 2007). The best known example of poor living conditions and the nations most economically devastated community is the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, also located in South Dakota. This reservation has been the focal point of many events in history; the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 which US cavalry men massacred 300 men, women, and children, the AIM (American Indian Movement) headquarters of the 1970s, several stand offs between traditionalists and the federal government, resulting in hi storical events such as the Leonard Peltier case of 1977 (Gundrum, 2007). Native American students and learning styles In 1979, the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs), funded 14, 600 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students; of those numbers, 1,639 received undergraduate degrees and 434 graduate degrees (Waller, Okamoto, Hankerson, Hibbeler, Hibbeler, McIntyre, and McAllen-Walker, 2002). As of 2002, 24 tribally controlled colleges were serving 10,000 students. Even with the increase in numbers for student enrollment with tribal colleges, there are significantly low percentages of students moving from the high school environment to college academics. Native American students have a high school drop-out rate of over 50%, and are considered the American minority to least likely to enroll and eventually graduate from college (Waller, Okamoto, Hankerson, Hibbeler, Hibbeler, McIntyre, and McAllen-Walker, 2002). Why are these figures so high? The question arises if distance learning program availability could possibly turn this percentage around and lower it instead of allowing it to remain consistent o r worse case, rise in the near future. The educational traditions of Indigenous peoples For educating children and adolescents in the native communities, each nation has, according to traditions and beliefs, its own teachings and methods. Oral history and teaching stories, the most noted methodology of teaching for native children, has long been regarded within tribal communities to be a valuable asset of learing; this is followed by ceremonies, such as puberty rites (typically for girls moving into womanhood) and sweat lodge purification (mostly young boys moving into manhood, by way of vision quests or hunting). Apprenticeships, long used before European contact, typically with respected members of the tribal community or with relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc are still found to be in use, along with learning games, which in times gone by, prepared children for adult roles as providers, protectors and nurturing figures within their tribal communities. The most overlooked educational tool of native children, and considering all children everywhere in t he world, is the classic observation of adults, otherwise known as the see, then do method (Waller, Okamoto, Hankerson, Hibbeler, Hibbeler, McIntyre, and McAllen-Walker, 2002). In tribal societies, from pre-European contact to the present, a member of the people is judged by ones contribution to the group as a whole, rather than the Euro-centric philosophy of individualized achievements. Tribal members are considered an essential part of his or her community; therefore achievements are accomplished for the benefit of the entire community. More appropriate teaching and learning strategies may be found through role modeling and cooperative learning styles (Waller, Okamoto, Hankerson, Hibbeler, Hibbeler, McIntyre, and McAllen-Walker, 2002). To compete to win over someone else in the community, without regard for respect for one another, is considered disrespectful and dishonorable. To disregard the entire community for the needs or desires of the individual is to forget being part of the web of life. The concept of time may be a difficult part of the distance learning program baseline for tribal colleges, as within the tribal community, activities or actions are carried through until complete; there is no concept of deadlines (Waller, Okamoto, Hankerson, Hibbeler, Hibbeler, McIntyre, and McAllen-Walker, 2002). Rigid schedules of certain distance learning programs could possible cause conflict with traditional teachings within the tribal communities, although schedules are consistent with the concept of obtaining and maintaining Satisfactory Progress within the distance learning program structure (OLC website). Conclusion In conclusion, distance learning programs can be an asset to the tribal communities of which the tribal colleges are reaching out to serve. Tribally controlled colleges have been serving their communities since the establishment of such academic institutions, and to move into distance learning programs can only profit students of the tribal community. Native American students, taught within the traditional structure of their individual nations, can adapt to the distance learning structure of flexibility, active learning-facilitating more of a hands-on approach to learning, which in turn improves the concept of critical thinking. Working with the time factor may create more ease with following through with a study, which in turn results in satisfaction with the learning style being presented, and in turn, creating a more realistic approach to preparing for the goal of the student: to apply what is learned to real life and to see the rewards of the journey made to real-life work and th e ultimate benefits for the betterment of the tribal community. The concept of more distance program availability within the tribal college structure can also possibly give back to the community in the way of bringing the percentage of high-school drop outs down, creating a motivation to keep those figures down and for Native American students to excel in the academic world to achieve goals that, even though may appear to be based on individual satisfaction and achievement, the results can be taken back into the tribal communities to benefit the nation as a whole. Distance learning programs are also reaching out to adult learners in the tribal communities, as more and more adults are returning to achieve or finish educational goals. Adults within the community still carry influence as to what children and adolescents will choose to do with their own lives, continuing to foster the see, then do methodology of learning. If adults within the tribal community can achieve success within the academic structure, then the influence upon the youth of the community can be a positive one. Also, as more and more colleges are experiencing lower enrollments for the more traditional programs, be they tribal colleges or academic institutions not in correlation with the reservation communities, a method of keeping enrollment figures consistent is being examined, experimented with, trialed through success and failure, and seeing results in obtaining and maintaining student numbers. Not all students have the ability to attend more traditional programs, either as full-time, on campus students, or even as part-time, extended over a loner period of time. More and more students are noted as individuals with families, full time employment, life changes that have facilitated seeking out continuing education, and wanting to improve the quality of their own lives, along with the lives of their families and communities. Education is moving away from the classroom environment to a more realistic approach to being able to apply acquired knowledge to real life and to be able to implement that very knowledge to every day life. Works Cited Gallagher, S. 2003. Maximum profit and ROI in distance ed: Planning to refine or launch your online learning programs? University Press, May 2003. Gruendemann, B. 2007. Distance learning and perioperative nursing. AORN Journal. March 2007. Gundrum, Gretchen. 2007. Indian reservations: Land for the Indian? MLA formatted research paper. April 2007. Wallner, M.; Okamoto, S.; Hankerson, A.; Hibbeler, T.; Hibbeler, P.; McIntyre, P.; and McAllen-Walker, R. The hoop of learning: A holistic, multi-systemic model for facilitating educational resilience among indigenous students. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare. March 2002. Northwest Indian College Oglala Lakota College

How Executives Should Answer One Scary Interview Question Who Wrote Your Resume

How Executives Should Answer One Scary Interview Question Who Wrote Your Resume Should executives write their own resumes? As an executive resume writer, I run into a certain number of people who believe every job candidate, regardless of industry, should write his or her own resume. While I agree very strongly that students should write their own academic papers and college application essays, I think very differently about whether executives should write their own resumes. Think about it. Executives are not being judged on their ability to format a beautiful document and craft powerful bullets about themselves. They have not spent years studying and practicing the art of resume writing. What is an executive’s job? All C-Level executives need forward-thinking strategy skills and the ability to manage and motivate teams. A CTO needs to know technology. A CFO needs to know finance. A CMO needs to know marketing. A CEO needs to implement high-level strategy; ensure that teams are functioning optimally; make key decisions that serve the best interest of both the company and its customers; keep operations running smoothly; and liaise between the board of directors and corporate operations. Nowhere in this list is being a great writer, graphic designer, or resume bullet crafter. So why should an executive ever write his or her own resume? I can’t think of a reason. In fact, the most talented and accomplished executive could be undersold and undercut by a self-constructed resume. And isn’t an executive’s job to delegate responsibility to others rather than get caught in the weeds? Successful executives are universally interested in leveraging their time. They do not have 10 hours to spend wrestling over how to present their accomplishments in writing. They would rather pay someone to do what that person does well, in service of a great result. The interview question Given all this, what should you do if you are an executive and in an interview, you are asked who wrote your resume? One hiring manager, whom I will call Mike, used that â€Å"trick† question to vet candidates. He writes, â€Å"I found out a lot by the reaction to that question. The best response I ever heard was an unruffled ‘I contracted with someone good in that business. Look, [Mike], you are interviewing me for the Chief Technical Officer position. I care about the quality of the end result. I dont write software as well as some of the folks in the Engineering group. I dont write resumes as well as the service. Quality of outcome and cost count.’† Mike continues, â€Å"Ive seen some candidates get flustered and talk in circles. I even had one candidate claim he wrote it, only to interrupt me ten minutes later to contradict himself.† I was struck in this story by the attributes this successful candidate’s answer showed: integrity, honesty, decisiveness, the ability to stay clear under pressure, a results focus, and a commitment to finding the best people to do any job. Those are qualities I would want in an executive. Executive responsibilities as a job candidate Even when someone else writes your executive resume, you go through the process of getting very clear about the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. That is each executive’s work to do, with the support of a resume writer if desired. My advice is to put your best foot forward, and to leverage your resources optimally to do that. What do you think about executives writing their own resumes? Do you have any other favorite, revealing interview questions you want to share? Please comment below!

Issues in the Field of Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Issues in the Field of Engineering - Essay Example The National Academy of Engineering has recognized 14 grand challenges to the field of engineering in the 21st century. Managing nitrogen cycle is one of those 14 challenges that require immediate intervention (University of Iowa). Although the academic literature and previous studies have paid less attention to this issue compared to other challenges like global warming or climate change, it is really a sensitive problem that can have terrible impacts on ecosystems and public health. The human-induced disruptions of the global nitrogen cycle result in serious engineering challenges. The nitrogen cycle plays a central role in the production of food, and hence it reflects a crucial aspect of energy needs. The National Academy of Engineering describes in their web article â€Å"Manage the nitrogen cycle† that Nitrogen cycle is considered as a process where the chemistry of Earth and life meets together as plants extract nitrogen from their surrounding environment to make food. Regulating the impacts of agriculture on the global nitrogen cycle turns out to be a growing challenge to the concept of sustainable development. According to the article â€Å"Manage the nitrogen cycle,† amino acids (building blocks of proteins) and nucleotides (building blocks of DNA) contain nitrogen as a major component, and hence all living things need this element. Nitrogen is supplied in inexhaustible amounts in our planet – nitrogen makes up nearly four-fifths of the earth’s atmosphere and is present in the form of nitrogen molecules (National Academy of E ngineering). However, the atmospheric nitrogen is not readily available for living organisms because nitrogen molecules rarely enter into chemical reactions. Dincer and Zamfirescu point out in their book that the large scale energy released from lightning strikes or the chemical abilities of some microbes

Finance Personal Statment Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Finance Statment - Personal Statement Example I am motivated to beat the odds and change the Saudi Arabia culture in order to open the doors to female workers to aspire higher professional goals. I want to join your program for several reasons. One of my career goals is to pursue a career in teaching in the future. Most universities require its professor’s to hold PhD degrees. During the first year of the program I hope to get acquainted with the faculty and sharpened my research skills in order to select a good topic for my thesis. I am very passionate about finance. In high school I started following local and international stock markets and reading the financial page of the newspaper. A few years later once the internet arrived at my country I had greater access to articles and financial news. I wanted to study finance at the university, but they did not teach it for girls at that time in Saudi and my parents did not allow me to study abroad for cultural reasons. This led me to choose accounting as my major. Accounting is often regarded as the cousin to finance since both practices are interrelated. I got married in my last year of college on October 2001 and had my first child in 2003 and my second in 2005. Since 2002 I was signing petitions to allow women to enter Saudi organization of certified public accountants so they can hold the Saudi CPA. Finally in 2004 the acceptance was granted. I am a goal oriented, assertive, self motivated, and a hard worker that is not afraid of a challenge. I am also ambitious, a good analyzer, team player, and a great leader. I am aware of the impotents of self development. I have attended several workshops on the subject. In the latest which was about women leadership, the presenter asked what about the main challenges Saudi women faced while doing their dissertation. I thought a professional women network could be the solution. I took the initiative and

Physician Responsibilities and A Breach of Contract Research Paper

Physician Responsibilities and A Breach of Contract - Research Paper Example The physician should also offer the patient with resources to help find another physician. Pozgar (2011) argues the physician should, with the written consent of the patient, transfer patient records to the new physician. The administrator of the hospital should give details on the legal boundaries of the physician-patient relationship. The patient should, for instance, be made aware that the contract between them and the physician is a fiduciary one, not financial. Similarly, the administrator should ensure that the physician explains the difference between patient abandonment and legal contract termination to the patient. In most cases, strict liability applies to product manufacturers whose products cause harm to patients but not to hospitals and physicians who use these products on patients. However, in some cases a physician may be liable to legal action if they use drugs, radiations, medical devices, and conduct blood transfusions using faulty products (Miller, 2008). 3a. Why it is easier for a patient to prove breach of contract as opposed to negligence, when a physician covering for the patient’s regular physician gives the patient medication that causes severe reaction In case a patient suffers damage at the hands of a physician who is covering for the patient’s regular physician, it is hard to press for negligence charges since it cannot be proven that the physician failed to provide the necessary care due to recklessness or heedlessness. According to Miller (2008) a patient who suffers damage because of malpractice on the part of the covering physician can file a case for breach of contract. This is particularly the case when the regular physician fails to give enough reason for failing to attend to the patient. The contract between a patient and a physician may be breached if the physician promises to use a specific procedure but

UK Childrens Health And Well-being

UK Childrens Health And Well-being Drawing on research and theory critically discuss the effects on young childrens health and wellbeing of being poor in a rich country such as the UK. How can such health inequalities be addressed? The health and wellbeing of children within the UK has become a controversial topic amongst policy makers, due to the major health inequalities surrounding children in the UK. A report submitted by the Department of Health (1980) concludes that on the whole, health within the UK has improved since the introduction of the welfare state; however there is still widespread health inequality which has resulted in a vast number of children living in poverty. Poverty is defined as a circumstance characterised by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter and access to education and information. (United Nations, 1995) Poverty has further been defined in literature in terms of relative and absolute poverty. Relative poverty is where individuals are living in a rich country such as the UK, where there are higher minimum standards which no individual should fall below. These standards should continue to rise as the country expands economically. On a higher scale, the concept of absolute poverty includes anyone deemed to be living below the minimum standards of the above essentials. It is important that individuals do not fall below this standard as it can have devastating consequences. Although poverty has numerous definitions, it must be remembered that child poverty is the poor circumstances experienced throughout the duration of childhood by children and young people . It differs from adult poverty due to the diverse causes and effects. The impact it has on children during childhood can be everlasting. (CHIP, 2004;UNDP, 2004). Social exclusion is where families have limited access to good health, adequate diet, the ability to participate in the community (Smith 1990). In this sense, poverty and social exclusion are directly related, since families living in poverty often do not have access to the above necessities. The health statuses of various groups of people are dependent upon numerous factors, one which is social status. A persons social status is almost directly related to the persons health and social group that they belong to, thus has a potential effect on the health and life chances that one may encounter. Categorically, socio-economic groups in the community vary from the high class to the working class, with geographical location being a primary factor. For example in Britain, those that live in affluent areas are more likely to live a healthier and more productive life than those who live in a deprived location on a low income. The social status element has broadened the gap between communitie s, allowing poverty to continue to dominate the lives of children. Children are vulnerable to deprivation; even when it is only for a short period in their lives. It can still have long term implications on their growth. I aim to critically discuss these effects and look at ways in which health inequalities can be addressed. Childhood is a very vulnerable stage for children, as they are dependent on their parents or guardians to fulfil their needs. Children require basic resources and services to develop mentally, physically and emotionally. To develop into a healthy adult, necessary requirements include educational facilities, vaccinations, healthcare, security, nutrition, clean water, and a supportive environment. Due to their sensitivity during this critical stage of life, children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse (CHIP, 2004: pg. 2). Furthermore, children living in poverty face numerous deprivations of their rights: survival, health and nutrition, education, participation, and protection from harm, exploitation and discrimination. Over 1 billion children are severely deprived of at least one of the essential goods and services they require to survive, grow and develop (UNICEF,2005b: pg. 15) Children growing up in poverty are more likely to experience emotional and behavioural problems both of which have a negative effect on their wellbeing. Additionally most problems encountered throughout childhood continue into the adolescents and adulthood years. Antisocial behaviour can be due to cultural and social factors which can have an immense influence on the individual. Living in inadequate and overcrowded housing conditions on estates which are associated with crime increases these risks. Bronfenbrenners ecological theory suggests that human behavioural development is shaped by ones environment. The theory acknowledges that a child affects as well is affected by the settings in which they spend time in. The time spent by children in negative surroundings will have a detrimental effect on their personal behaviour. He states that as the child develops, the interaction and relationships formed with others around them become more complex, and that this would continue to arise whilst the childs physical and cognitive formation was to grow and mature. A study conducted by Clark in 1996 found that children suffer socially from frequently being re-housed in to more affordable housing. These children felt that they lacked stable friendships and had difficulty forming friendships due to the frequent school changes, schools hence became a place of social deprivation rather than a place where friends could be gained. Moreover, Oppenheim (1996) and Dunn (2000) both argue that chil dren feel excluded because they cannot afford to socialise with their peers leaving them segregated from those around them. Furthermore Smith (1995) indicates that failure to fit in with their peers results in profound effects on childrens behaviour. Blackburn (1991) goes on to argue that poverty affects psychological and behavioural processes which diminish life choices. This can lead to increased feelings of powerlessness and low self esteem as a result. In some cases this can cause the individual to form coping strategies which include alcohol or illegal drugs. Gilman et al (2003) highlights that childhood adversity extensively increases the risk of depression, as well as long term negative effects on childrens health and wellbeing. The health and well-being of children is interrelated to the quality of housing, the appropriateness of the location and affordability. Housing is a key component of both the physical and social environments in which children are exposed to, and plays a direct and indirect role in the achievement of positive development. A study undertaken by the Board of Science 2003 found that stable, safe and secure housing is a fundamental aspect in the healthy development of a child (Board of Science and Education, 2003). Faulty structure and inadequate facilities, for example heating, can cause accidental injuries (English House Condition Survey (EHCS), 1996). Factors affecting the health of children include the cost, quality, occupancy and the stability of the housing, along with the neighbourhood environment in which the child resides. Moreover, affordable accommodation for poverty-stricken families is frequently restricted to housing with substandard physical properties (Dunn, 2000), and is often in surroundings with socio-environmental problems which provide further disadvantages to physical and psychological well-being. Potvin et al (2002) argues that the housing tends to be in specific locations, resulting in segregation of low-income communities, when combined with poor access to employment opportunity, this can lead to socially deprived neighbourhoods. Klitzman et al (2005) confirms that these neighbourhoods are inclined to be unsafe, with limited access to essential facilities and services. This inevitably leaves fewer opportunities for social integration, and also poses health risks to the community, particularly for the vulnerable groups, residing within these environments. Curtis 2004 argues that inadequate housing may further influence individuals health and mental well-being through increasing their level of stress. This can put a tremendous strain on a child, as the child distinguishes the atmosphere within the home as being depressing. He goes on to acknowledge that crowded living conditions can result in easier transmission of infectious diseases i.e. tuberculosis and increases the likelihood of acquiring respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis particularly if family members are smokers. Excessive noise levels also result in sleep deprivation, which can affect the growth and psychological wellbeing of a child, as they may experience tiredness and low energy levels whilst at school, which would lead to poor concentration. Similarly this can also have adverse affects on adults and children alike and lead to negative psychological effects, including aggression, depression, irritability, and frustration with others in the family. This is r eported to contribute to family issues and potential violence. (Curtis, 2004).. The English House Condition Survey confirmed that 1,522,000 UK residences did not meet the mandatory standards set (EHCS, 1996). For many deprived communities, the only housing available is unsatisfactory. The World Health Organisation (WHO) advocates that, during the cold weather, the average room temperature should remain at a constant 18-20C (WHO, 2005). However, in the EHCS survey it was estimated that 40% of the UK population resides in temperatures below these guidelines. 19% of housing in the UK is cold, and damp compared to the 9% recorded in Germany (EHCS, 1996). Despite specific measures adopted by local governments, housing policies continued to remain inadequate in many regions. For example, insulation of properties is a major government initiative at present. This is recognised as a cost effective intervention that could increase room temperatures whilst decreasing fuel costs for poverty-stricken families. However, The Warm Front scheme, which provides funding for insula tion, is not available to pregnant women and young children, unless they are in receipt of specific social security benefits. Despite repeated evidence of the effects of poor housing, and associated lack of heating, public health interventions remain insufficient. Economical accommodation for poorer families can be excessively expensive, and the payment of rent or mortgage costs can result in minimal disposable income for fuel, food and other basic necessities (EHCS, 1996). Obesity is a known health issue associated with poverty; a consequence of low incomes and inexpensive inferior foods, which result in high fat and high salt diets. Consequently, it has been determined that people with serious health issues are more likely to occupy the least health-promoting segment of the housing market, which in turn, aggravates health problems. Children born into poor circumstances also tend to have fewer educational opportunities than children are born into families where parents have been educated, or there is more disposable income available in the household. Hetherington et al (1991) argues that poor parents find it increasingly difficult to provide intellectual, stimulating tools or resources, such as toys, books, and technologically advanced equipment to their children. The complexity of their circumstances also prevents them from increasing the childs opportunity of receiving a pre-school education, giving them the opportunity of a positive foundation which is essential during the critical period of learning and development. Failure to attend pre-school can result in low academic attainment at a later stage. (www.surestart.gov.uk) Furthermore, since many social peer relationships form during the early years, children who do not have these experiences tend to lack confidence and self-esteem (Hetherington et al (1991), When placed within the classroom environment at an older age, these children are more likely to choose to remain segregated rather than participate within class discussion as they feel stigmatised due to the life they lead and have poor confidence when interacting with their peers. They feel that children that live in affluent areas have greater confidence and should be the speakers. In the mid 1990s, there was an extremely high rate of relative child poverty in Europe, and the UK at present still has a high rate of poverty and the worst birth weight in deprived areas in comparison to any other Western European country (Sandwell-Smith, 2003). Therefore in 1999, Prime Minister Tony Blair made a pledge to eradicate child poverty by 2020, halving it by 2010, and making a difference by 25% in 2005. In order to do this, several changes were put into place such as the implementation of a taxation system, changes in benefit eligibility and the way it is paid, the introduction of the tax credits and the investment in childrens services. Around the same time, the Millennium Cohort Study (2000) established that babies being tracked were already showing larger differences in their health status at the age of three, according to their family conditions. Among children in families with income below  £10,000 a year, 4.2% suffered chronic illnesses at this age, compared to ju st 1.7% among wealthy families on over  £52,000. This significant difference highlights the importance of living above the poverty line. Such evidence has paved the way for numerous Government initiatives that attempt to close the gap on health inequalities in the UK. According to the UKs statement to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children in 2002, the UK is restructuring the machinery of government to put the welfare of children and young people at the heart of policies and services, to ensure that childrens and young peoples voices shape the priorities and practices of the government, and to bring together the government, the voluntary sector, businesses, local communities and families with a vision for young people. (United Nations 2002) Ten years on research shows that the government still holds a strong will to tackle child poverty and has always had it on the agenda, and is continuing to be a key aspect in the battle against child poverty. In a response to the recent release of poverty figures, the government insisted that the  £1 billion already committed in this years budget with help to lift a further 250,000 children out of poverty, however they believe an additional  £3 billion will be needed to invest in tax credits and benefits in order to meet the 2010 target set by former prime minister Tony Blair. (End Child Poverty HBAI Report 2008).However in a policy briefing on education and child poverty released in March 2008, The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) condemned the government for not addressing this issue properly and claimed that the educational gap between disadvantaged children and their peers would continue to increase and that part costs incurred should be claimed through local charging police s ( End Child Poverty 2008). Although some of the governments policies and strategies have not achieved their full potential there is still room for improvement with the ideas already formed. This can only take place if there is a major transformation in the way policy makers address the issue and implement strategies. For example the existing tax credits system consists of a working element for parents who are on a low income and a child based element on the number of children under the age of eighteen in full time education. This currently needs to be reviewed and updated; the combined value of child tax credit and child benefit needs to be increased in line with inflation and earnings. The reformation on the administration of tax credits and benefits is also essential as in previous years there has been discrepancies on the amounts paid and the overpayment of these allowances.(www.hmrc.gov.uk) In conjunction with the above, the benefit entitlement system needs to be reassessed for all UK residents irrespective of immigration status as at present those that are not UK nationals are not entitled to specific benefits. Another significant aspect is that the government has made various attempts to work towards creating more jobs, and getting people off benefits into work however; it needs to be that the jobs created are enhanced and beneficial, financially for those that are qualified and have the relevant experience.(www.jobcentre.plus.gov.uk) Conclusion: There is conclusive evidence that living standards and housing conditions are interrelated and poor socio-economic situations during childhood negatively influence the health status once a child reaches adulthood. The exposure of the young to these situations contributes to long-term ill health. This is worsened due to diminished immune systems and the greater exposure to negative environments which they have little or no control over. (Klitzman, et. al., 2005). Insufficient facilities and the overcrowding of properties are very much a major concern with infectious disease, while damp and mould can cause various respiratory problems (Bornehag, et. al., 2005). Nevertheless, the debate around housing and health and wellbeing is inclined to be concerned with the discourse of poverty. (Dunn, 2000). However, looking at research there seems to be much less consideration of the indirect effects of poor housing upon health, such as social exclusion (Curtis, 2004) and depression, and psycho-s ocial effects are repeatedly overlooked. Moreover in recent years, socio-economic determinants of health have returned to policy debates, and housing conditions are, once again, recognized as a critical influence upon public health (Board of Science and Education, 2003). Recent studies have shifted focus in the direction of a broader-ranging perspective with regard to poverty, and health and quality of life, which presents the possibilities of enhanced understandings of the determinants of health status. The General Assembly of the United Nations 1948 states that everyone has the right to a standard of living sufficient for the health and wellbeing of himself and his family. This Includes food, clothing, housing and medical care. As with many health determinants, the quality of housing is directly related to income. Trying to reduce these adverse effects of poor accommodation remains a major challenge. Health inequalities are not reducing in the UK, and the worst health is experienced by those who are most socially and economically deprived (Stanwell-Smith, 2003). As in the nineteenth century, there is a profound need for a rigorous public health reform. Essential to this must be enhanced living standards and prevention of ill health, so as not to become trapped in the inevitable cycle of poverty many children still find themselves in today. Although the government has evidently reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its child poverty targets, and has developed both the organisational competence and the political drive to do so, there still seems to be a vast majority of children living in poverty and it is highly unlikely that the 2010 target is to be met, based on current spending levels. However it is not too late to improve the strategies enforced to provide a healthier future for the children who will be the new generation of the workforce for years to come. Word Count:2992

Henry Fleming In Red Badge Of Courage Essay -- Red Badge Of Courage

Henry Fleming in Red Badge of Courage The Civil War forced many young boys out of childhood and into adulthood. Most of these young boys were not prepared for war, and Henry Fleming was one of these boys. Henry Fleming's life in New York was routine. He had his normal share of friends and lived on a farm. When Henry got up in the mornings, he always knew exactly what the day had in store for him. This simple and boring life drove Henry to enlist. Henry wanted some excitement and to be seen by everyone as a hero. He wanted to be a man. However, his mother was strictly against his joining the Union Army. She thought that the Army was for rough and uncivilized heathens. His mother's greatest fear was that these heathens would influence Henry to start drinking and swearing. Despite his mother's concerns, Henry enlisted in the Army. But being in the Army wasn't enough, Henry was anxious to go to battle. All along the way to his station he and his fellow recruits were treated kindly. Old men patted them on their backs and young boys admired them when they stopped for rest. This warm feeling faded when they reached the camp. Here life was boring for Henry. The only thing his company did was drill day in and day out. All of the experienced soldiers told war stories every night by the campfire. Henry could only listen because he was still 'wet behind the ears'. He felt left out and often sat alone wondering about battle. War was like an illusion to him....