Standardized Tests and Informal Reading Assessments Essay

Standardized Tests and Informal Reading Assessments - Essay Example A standardized test is one that employs a standard method assessment. Such tests include CAT (California Achievement Test), STAR (Standardized Testing And Reporting). These tests are employed to determine if a student is fulfilling certain requirements ordained for his grade, age and intellectual level, and if he does so, he is promoted to the next grade. Some institutions use these tests along with other tools of assessment, while others simply rely on the test scores for assessing a student’s academic performance. Standardized tests are relied upon heavily for assessment purposes; yet there are many benefits as well as upsides associated with them Standardized tests are considered accountability tools for teachers and students (Meador, 2012). The syllabi taught vary from school to school, and also from teacher to teacher. So it is standardized tests that reconcile this gap and ensure that at least a particular guideline is followed regarding teaching and learning (Panday, 20 11). By comparing a child’s score with score from other subjects the tests are influential in highlighting the weaknesses and strong sides of a child; at the same time allowing for comparison of a particular subjects score, over time; allowing to infer improvement or (Popham, 1999). Since, these tests are standardized; they allow the scores of students to be compared from school to school or even at a larger scale like states; also allowing for data from social subgroups to be compared (Meador, 2012). Standardized Tests are helpful in testing and Judging a students’ Cognitive abilities and skills (Brassard & Boehm, 2008). Another important feature of standardized tests is that they are completely objective in nature; since, they are marked by computers; they grade every student on same terms and without biases (Meador, 2012). Standardized tests are also criticized by many academic highlighting many upsides in the tests and the assessment they provide. Over and over sta ndardized tests have been criticized as an inaccurate and limited means of assessing a students’ achievement and learning (Fairtest, 2007). Learning cannot be just established through a single measure, it is not uni-dimensional, and requires measurement of dimensions like creativity and ability to learn step-by-step etc. (Panday, 2011). Although standardized tests are capable of assessing a child’s cognitive abilities, yet they need t be culturally and linguistically just in order to do so, but that is not the case with standardized tests in schools, they are too demanding and are not an accurate measure, hence, requiring the use of other assessing mechanisms along with the tests to ensure proper assessment (Brassard & Boehm, 2008). Scores from these tests are considered representing a student’s educational and intellectual capacities, and thus results in their being allocated to inferior educational practices, taking away the opportunity to learn what their fel lows will be learning (Weaver, 1995). Standardized tests have also been criticized for leading the curriculum to be exam oriented; only topics covered in the exams are taught and limit the broader coverage and implications of education (Fairtest, 2007). Standardized tests also depict a false impression of being ‘objective’, when the only objectivity they have about them is that they are scored by computers, while their preparing and all the other procedures are carried out by people who belong to some group or the other

NPV and IRR Capital Budgeting Tools Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

NPV and IRR Capital Budgeting Tools - Assignment Example Budget in the context of capital budgeting is the plan that describes in detail inflows and outflows of revenue and expenses during the project life. The project life for this case is 10 years. Budget will show the company detail plan of cash inflows and outflows during the 10-year operation period of the aircraft. The two words together – capital budget indicates a list of planned long-term investment outlays for projects. In this case, planned investment is to purchase one of two aircrafts and make additional profits from its operation. Capital budgeting is the method used to determine which among long-term capital investment should be chosen. In this case, we are determining one project – purchase of an aircraft. However, we are using two different aircrafts. For simplicity, two different aircrafts are considered as two separate projects. Capital budgeting process helps strategic planning committee pick up the option, which gives higher rate of return considering tim e value factor of money. This is why it is important in strategic management. Without capital budgeting strategic management team will enter into a wrong selection. Question 2. Explain why the NPV and IRR capital budgeting tools are superior to the accounting rate of return and simple payback techniques for determining the attractiveness of capital investment opportunities.   Answer. ...This method has two limitations. It does not consider cash inflows for the project beyond payback year, and time value of money. Example: Given below cash flows of two different projects for the same return rate, k = 10 %. Project Investment Cash flow Yr 1 Cash flow Yr 2 A $10,000 $0 $14,500 B $10,000 $ 10,000 $ 2,500 Payback method will select project B, since it pays of in one year. Net present value (NPV) The concept of NPV is included in the following formula, NPV = - Initial Investment + Sum of present value of all cash flows until the end of the project. The basis of this method is in evaluat ion of time value of future money. NPV measures the additional market value that is created or destroyed as a result of implementation of investment. Example Given below cash flows of two different projects for the same return rate, k = 10 % Project Investment Cash flow Yr 1 Cash flow Yr 2 A $10,000 $0 $14,500 B $10,000 $ 10,000 $ 2,500 NPV A = - 10,000 + 0 + 12,000 / (1+0.1) 2 = - 10,000 + 14,500 / 1.21 = - 10,000 + 11,983 = 1,983 NPV B = - 10,000 + 10,000 / (1+0.1) 1 + 2,500 / (1+0.1) 2 = - 10,000 + 9,090 + 2,066 = 1,156 According to NPV selection method both projects have NPV > 0, but project â€Å"A† has higher value. With Payback method project â€Å"B† was selected, with NPV method project â€Å"A† is selected. Two-year cash flow calculation in NPV method shows that project â€Å"A† would maximize the investment. This cannot be said about Payback method. Accounting rate of return This method ignores time value of money.

Emotional risks you face with cosmetic surgery

Emotional risks you face with cosmetic surgery {The popularity of cosmetic surgery is expanding more than ever before and as it booms consistently, a number of psychologists are anticipating the likelihood that they would be dealing with patients who are thinking of or have undergone a cosmetic procedure.|Cosmetic surgery is gaining steam and some psychologists are concerned with the psychological effect on patients who go through radical transformations; and also on those who dont, that may feel inadequate as a result.|Although drastic alterations are infrequent, some psychologists still plan to probe the upwelling in cosmetic enhancement procedures and whether these surgeries have any long-lasting psychological detriments.|With the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery, there are more questions than answers regarding its psychological effects and theres a huge possibility that psychologists will be dealing with these issues on patients who have undergone the procedure or are thinking of undertaking it.} {Some of them have a ctually encountered quite a few cases. It is therefore becoming increasingly vital for psychologists to be able to discuss with patients about their concerns over their appearance and be able to identify the factors that may or may make an individual a suitable or unsuitable candidate for aesthetic surgery.|There are interesting issues for psychologists to delve into, from the vantage point of cultural and interpersonal phenomena to the issue of mental health and self-worth issues; and these aspects will cast them into new roles, including administration of pre- and post-surgical patient evaluations.| In addition to research, psychologists may perform roles in assisting patients too, such as helping surgeons administer psychological assessments. For instance, they can assist cosmetic surgeons to distinguish patients who may find it difficult to make the necessary psychological or psychosocial adjustments after cosmetic surgery.} {A lot of psychologists agree that there is an urgent necessity for research on this subject to shed light on cosmetic surgerys psychosocial effects.|Researchers and practitioners have made attempts through the years to analyze whether progress in psychosocial well-being after cosmetic surgery can be objectively verified, but too few methodological studies have been conducted to be able come to a conclusion.|Studies spanning four decades have shown that most people undergoing cosmetic enhancements are satisfied with the result. But what has been nearly neglected is the outcome in psychosocial terms.|Psychologists believe that cosmetic surgery related issues have to be examined because of the remarkable increase in its popularity and the possible connection between the patients perception of body image or appearance and some psychiatric disorders, like social phobia, sexual dysfunction and even eating disorders.} {Researchers feel that the answers to one burning question may help fill in the gaps.|Psychologists and researchers have to figure out the complexities of these effects to make sure that they dont have lasting harmful effects to the patients.|The answer to the crucial question of how the patients who have undergone the procedure actually feel may be the key to unlocking the mystery of the emotional and mental effects of cosmetic surgery.|Most of the researchers are of similar opinion as to the necessity of broader potential studies employing typical patient samples, with the use of well-established methods to come up with near-accurate results.} {Do patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery feel better after the procedure?|Many people do end up feeling good about themselves after seeing how much better they look after cosmetic surgery.|Does cosmetic surgery improve psychosocial well-being?|How do cosmetic surgery procedures affect patients psychologically?} {Studies have invariably shown that people generally feel an increased level of contentment with the body part they had surgery performed on; however, there are ambiguities on whether cosmetic surgery actually gives their self-confidence, self-worth, quality of life and interpersonal relationships a boost over the long haul.|Overall, the studies indicate that there was a general perception of being pleased with the results among most patients and there was a marked improvement in how they felt about themselves. This was particularly true in the case of women that underwent breast reduction or mammoplasty. Functioning domains showing improvement included self worth, sel f esteem, distress and shyness and quality of life. However, many of these studies have limitations on methodology, including small sample sizes and potentially biased determinants.|Several studies showed that there was a marked improvement in body image evaluation after plastic surgery, and scores in self-esteem also increased even if the mark up was quite small. It was noted that the effect that the surgery had on body image perception and self-esteem was not in any way prejudiced by the age patients or the intervening time after surgery.|A recent analysis of studies on patients psychological profile and psychosocial performance prior to and after cosmetic surgery, suggests constructive results in patients that include body image improvements and a possible a boost in their quality of life. But the same research also found several predictors of flawed outcomes, more noticeably in patients with depression or anxiety history, as well as those who have unreasonable expectations.} {{In one of the studies conducted by the Center for Human Appearance at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine, it was recorded that 87% of patients {reported|conveyed|expressed|stated} the same sense of satisfaction a year after getting the cosmetic surgery including the feeling of upliftment of their body image perception in general and the modified body feature.|The Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine conducted a study which {recorded|documented|noted} that a year after having cosmetic surgery, 87% of the patients reported general {satisfaction|contentment|contentedness|self-fulfillment|pleasure} after the surgery; improvements in their overall body image; and improvements in the body feature altered.} {The negative body image emotions and the feeling of {inadequacy|being inept|deficiency|being inadequate} in social situations are considerably {lessened|decreased|reduced}|There was also less experiences of negative body image emotions in social situations among these patients|The patients also reported more experiences of positive body image emotions in social situations}.|{A study administered by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicated that 75% of the respondents chose cosmetic surgery to {gain|attain|achieve|obtain|get} improved looks and a more vibrant lifestyle.|In a study performed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it was discovered that 75% of the respondents expressed that they opted for cosmetic surgery to achieve enhanced looks and a more active social life.} {Likewise|Similarly|Also|In the same manner}, 70% alluded to psychological merits and emotional rewards after surgery, with {notable|remarkable|significant} contentment and rehabilitated self-confidence and self-esteem. Also quite impressive, is the 45% who said they enjoy the daily advantage of being more {appealing|attractive|desirable}.} {It was discovered in their literature review, however, that there is a link between plastic surgery and weak post-surgical outcomes for some patients, specifically those with existent personality disorder prior to surgery; those who had the misconception that it would save a relationship and those who had impractical expectations that didnt materialize.|The review of the existing studies also observed that patients who are discontented with surgery results may demand a repetition of the procedures or may encounter depression and problems in adjustment, social apathy, family issues, self-destructive demeanors and antagonism against the surgeon and their staff.|Outcomes of some studies showed that psychological status forecast changes in both body image and self-esteem evaluation. Patients that did not register any problems on the scales displayed greater progress in body image and self-esteem evaluation than those with psychological issues. There was a stark negative link between pre -operative emotional problems and contentment with surgical outcomes.|A specific subgroup that seem to have poor response to cosmetic procedures are people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is discernible by a fixation with an imagined or negligible deformity that usually causes unwarranted clinical distress or imbalance in social and occupational areas of performance. These patients constitute 6%-15% of patients involved in aesthetic plastic surgery surroundings and around 12% of patients in dermatology situations.} {In one significant study, it showed that there were four times more likelihood for women with breast implants to carry out suicide than any other cosmetic surgery patients of the same age bracket.|There were firmer and far more unsettling results from epidemiological research of a connection between suicide and cosmetic surgery.| According to a Finnish study, theres more likelihood of women with breast implants committing suicide than women who are non-augmented. These results were echoed in findings from similar studies in Sweden and in the United States.|Findings of a study at the International Epidemiology Institute in Rockville, Md. show that theres a larger tendency for women with breast implants to take their own lives. Its one of several studies that have recurrently revealed an escalation of suicide risk among women with surgical breast implants.} {Similar other studies revealed a greater suicide rate by as much as two to three times higher.|These studies made the same repor t that women who experience surgical breast augmentation are thrice more likely to carry out suicide than those who have not undergone breast enhancement surgeries.|Findings show that women who have had surgically augmented breasts are three times more likely to commit suicide.|Another striking link that emerge from these studies is that women who are recipients of breast implants are two to three times more likely to kill themselves than those who are not.} {None of the studies could identify an underlying link between breast implants and suicide, though.|Although there seems to be an association between cosmetic breast enhancement and suicide, the precise nature of this connection remains unknown. |Although they have been largely unsuccessful in substantiating such connection, thus far, the study is also resolute in investigating the suspected connection between cosmetic breast implants and suicidal tendencies.|Researchers fail to clarify the suicides and the big question remains a mystery: Are women who have suicidal tendencies more liable to decide on having breast implants; or is the cosmetic surgery itself the leading cause of the suicide?} {Some researchers made speculations that a few of the surgery recipients may have held unattainable expectations or have certain personality traits that made them predisposed to suicide.|The suicide prevention team at the University of Illinois, speculates that breast augmentation may have a certain attraction on some women with suicidal tendencies, the appeal being that of a means to win control over their own fates; noting that people might be tempted to commit suicide are often obsessed with being in command of their bodies.|A number of researchers theorizes that its highly probable for some women who had prior psychological problems before the breast augmentation or implant to experience a period of recuperation in psychological behavior subsequent to cosmetic implant, but not retained for the long term. Thus, after several years, theres a re-emergence or aggravation of psychiatric troubles.|Some researchers allege that recipients of surgical implants display a host of psychosoma tic problems that put them in grave danger of imminent suicide. Whether this is the only rationalization or whether post-surgery discontentment is also involved, has not yet been clarified.}

Virgils The Aeneid Essay -- Virgil Aeneid Essays

Virgil's The Aeneid   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Webster’s dictionary, a leader is defined as a person that has commanding authority or influence over others. Such a leader can be found in The Aeneid, written by Virgil. The main character in the epic, Aeneas, shows the journey of a leader through struggles and trials. One can see the true definition of leadership through Aeneas’s strategy, bravery, and persistence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During the Fall of Troy, Aeneas shows strategic leadership while pushing through the Greek lines. As the Trojan warriors defeat a surprised Greek crowd, Coroebus suggests that the men wear their trophies. Aeneas agrees and has his men wear the Greek insignia as a shield when breaking through enemy lines. Having success, Aeneas states, â€Å"Many a combat, hand to hand, we fought in the black...

How American and British towns and cities are preparing for peak oil

Peak oil is the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production enters terminal decline. This is expected to happen at the midpoint of depletion, that is, when only half the oil that will ever be produced has been consumed, and the other half is still underground. When oil production starts to decline, the economic impacts will be dramatic. Economic growth is largely dependent upon a growing oil supply. The International Energy Agency has forecast oil demand to expand at a rate of 1.3% annually over the period 2004-2030. This is likely to lead to large spikes in the oil price along with the price of gas and electricity which are closely linked on financial markets. British local authorities are now starting to consider the potential impact of peak oil on their services and communities. The preparations they have made are as follows: Woking Borough Council in Surrey has achieved major cuts in the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of its buildings largely by converting to combined heat and power (CHP), that is, small, local gas fired power stations, which provide both electricity and heats to buildings nearby. CHP is highly efficient because it exploits the large amounts of heat that are normally wasted in electricity generation to provide space heating and hot water. Woking says this approach has cut gas consumption by as much as 30% and emissions by even more which is a great achievement. But although Woking has cut its gas consumptions, its dependency upon gas is now even higher than before because a far greater proportion of its total energy comes from this single source. Woking is now proud that it now generates 82% of its own electricity, and distributes it through a private wire network. The preparations the US cities have made are as follows: In the Arlington County, Virginia, the board has published an environmental initiative called fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative To Reduce Emissions) This document outlines the aims put in place in the right direction towards preparing for peak oil: – Increase purchase of wind-generated electricity from 3% of the total electricity purchased by the county to 5% – Install solar energy technology (eg: solar water heating) in one or two county facilities to demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness. – Prepare a strategic energy plan and a climate action plan for County operations and the community. – Plant at least 1,200 trees in 2007. The measures put in place are as follows: – Many transportation options, including transit, and the development of a Master Transportation Plan. – An energy-efficient County fleet, including hybrid-electric vehicles, vehicles running on bio-diesel fuel, and ART buses powered by natural gas. – An aggressive tree planting program, which includes the purchase of wind-generated electricity. – A renewable energy program, which includes the purchase of wind-generated electricity. The document also recommends three things that individuals can do for themselves, which again would also be useful in beginning to mitigate peak oil – Drive a fuel-efficient car, walk, bike, or take transit. If 10 people trade in cars that get 24 miles per gallon for more efficient cars that get 40 miles per gallon, this action alone would reduce CO2 emissions by 40000 lbs per year which is equivalent of taking four of those cars off the road. – Get an energy audit, and implement the recommendations. This year, the county will support 20 demonstration home energy audits. I recently purchased an energy audit for my home and have learned many things I can quickly do to save on energy costs. – Replace one frequently-used light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb. If every household took this simple step, Arlingtonians would achieve the emissions equivalent of removing 1,000 cars from our roadways and save a million dollars a year. It was suggested by experts that the County should distribute at least 2,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs at public events, to reduce CO2 by 100 tons.

Malcolm X Essay

1.What details of the events has each writer selected to focus on? Each writer selected to focus on the person that Malcolm X was overall. I believe that they put so much emphasis on the events that took place up until his assassination to show how important he was. Each person meant what his purpose was in the ballroom that day. Each writer also mentioned how many people were there to show his importance also. One crucial detail was that Malcolm X was shot by a member of his own race. 2.How has each writer organized the details that have been selected? Each writer organized the details as if they were watching a television show. They presented the end result first. Then they explained what led to that outcome. Afterwards they explained the reaction the assassination. I can relate to the way they organized the details. When I witness or find something out, I normally say what happened. For example, â€Å"Amber, the car is broken.† Of course the next question would be, how? 3.How does each writer interpret Malcolm X, his followers, the gunmen, and the significance of the assassination? Each writer perceived Malcolm X to be a leader, respected by many. They showed how relaxed he was when the argument began. His followers were in shock because he showed them how to be calm and control themselves through hard times. The gunmen were perceived as someone Malcolm X had problems with in the past. The assassination was shocking because he was killed by a black man when he focused on the mistreatment of the whites. 4.How has each writer used language to express his or her perspectives and to influence the thinking of the reader? Each writer used language by explaining the emotions of everyone when the assassination occurred. The writers wrote in a way to show how important Malcolm X life was. I think that expressing how you felt on a situation is the best way to connect to writers. Your feelings can help others relate.