Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Comparing The Greek And Egyptian Periods - 1175 Words
During my visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I observed and noticed numerous intriguing works of sculpture, artifacts and paintings. The two works of art I chose to do for my report were ââ¬Å"Anonymous Officialâ⬠(13th dynasty, Egypt 1783 B.C.), and the Head from a Herm (Greek, (first quarter of the 5th century). I picked these two specific artworks due to their facial expressions and portrayal. How the human face is portrayed and sculpted through different centuries creates a magnificent approach to understanding how people were seen in these particular time periods. We can compare the two unique works of art, from two diverse time periods, and look into the similarities and differences that were produced. The Greek and Egyptian timeâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦As for what I had been told visiting the Metropolitan Museum, a sculpture next to the ââ¬Å"Anonymous Officialâ⬠, was indistinguishable to the first that was assumed to be a relative of the man, in fact they were discovered together and they looked fundamentally the same. The Egyptians were a exceptionally isolated culture. They didn t care for foreigns to enter onto their homeland. The Egyptian rule was separated into three subdivisions of time. The first being the Old Kingdom (3000-2155 B.C.), then by the Middle Kingdom (2134-1785 B.C.), and lastly ending with the New Kingdom (1500-1162 B.C.). The sculpture of the ââ¬Å"Anonymous Official was made in the Middle Kingdom time period. Amid the time of Egyptian govern a Pharaoh was thought to be the most elevated level that a man could reach. The belief the Egyptians had, of Pharaoh, was reflected in their specialty of art. Figures and sculptures of Pharaoh were flawlessly perfect figures (as for how they actual portrayed him; perfect). The figures had wide and throughly expressive eyes, which were thought to be ââ¬Å"blessed and holyâ⬠. The figure Head from a Herm is accepted to be portrayed from the Greek god, Hermes. The head is likewise accepted to have originate from some kind of a Greek sphinx. The face structure of this figure is exceptionally characterized. The figure has hair, which is by all accounts the style of that time period. The way the
Monday, December 23, 2019
Hamlet, By William Shakespeare - 1219 Words
In Shakespeareââ¬â¢s classic play Hamlet, there are certainly a host of contrasting and influential characters that come together to naturally unfold the surprising events that make up the story. One such character is Ophelia, who spices up the play quite a bit. One of the main components, aside from her unrequited love of Prince Hamlet and her spying on him on behalf of her father and brother, that allows her to be such a central character is her madness, which leads up to her death. Not everyone agrees on the subject of Opheliaââ¬â¢s madness, especially if it was real or feigned and if itââ¬â¢s actual cause. In my opinion, Ophelia was driven to genuine madness out of grief and confusion. Opheliaââ¬â¢s biggest downfall was the fact that she fell in loveâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦When Laertes and Polonius tell her that Hamlet is only using her for sex and that she needs to wait for the proper husband that they choose for her and stay a virgin until she becomes a wife, she doesnââ¬â¢t know whether to believe them or go with her heart. Hamlet doesnââ¬â¢t make it any easier on the poor girl (or the audience) to decipher his true feelings. One moment he tells her that he loves herà à the next he is insulting her and assuring her that he never did love her. This is enough to make any woman go insane. After all, Ophelia was quite honestly dazed and confused about the entire situation and didnââ¬â¢t know who she was supposed to trust and believe. There is speculation that Ophelia may have been pregnant with Hamletââ¬â¢s child. If this is true, it gives even more reason for Ophelia to have been confused and mad. ââ¬Å"Get thee to a nunn ry, why woulds t thou be a breeder of sinners?â⬠(Hamlet to Ophelia, Act III Scene I, 121). In this famous scene, Hamlet tells Ophelia that he never loved her and that she should be sent to a brothel. He also goes on to declare that breeding would be stupid, because bringing children into the evil world they lived in would be selfish. This has led people to believe that Hamlet got Ophelia pregnant and then convinced her to get an abortion. Losing a child is, of course, a painful and emotionally scarring experience for any woman, so it would make perfect sense for that to
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Report on Two Software Programs with Business Application Free Essays
Recommendation Report In this report, you are going to find two software programs with business applications and compare them according to four well-defined criteria. You will then recommend one program over another on the basis of your comparison. Your report will be written to me ââ¬â assume Iââ¬â¢m your boss, we work together in a small company, and Iââ¬â¢ve asked you to find the best program for our purposes. We will write a custom essay sample on Report on Two Software Programs with Business Application or any similar topic only for you Order Now The choice of programs is up to you, but you must choose two programs that do roughly the same thing. Donââ¬â¢t choose a tax program and a spreadsheet, for example. You then need to think of the criteria you are going to use to make the comparison. Your choice of criteria is very important. This forms the basis for your comparison; if you donââ¬â¢t choose concrete, specific, and relevant criteria that allow you to make a detailed comparison of the two programs, your comparison is not going to be informative or meaningful. Also, one of the criteria you choose must be the cost of the program. This will, obviously, be a very simple point of comparison. Your recommendation report will have three sections: The Introduction will give a short introduction to the two programs youââ¬â¢ve chosen to discuss ââ¬â tell us the name of the software, who manufactures it, etc. You are also going to inform me as to the criteria you choose to use to make the comparison, and why you choose those criteria. ââ¬â The Findings section will compare the two programs according to cost and the three other criteria youââ¬â¢ve chosen. The format you choose f or this section is up to you, but the comparison should be easy to process visually. This will be the longest section of your report. The Recommendation In this section you will describe why one of the programs you have discussed in the Findings section is better than the other one. You need to make clear reference to what youââ¬â¢ve discovered in the Findings section in order to fully justify your recommendation. | Unsatisfactory| Needs Work| Satisfactory| Exemplary| Mark| Introduction| ââ¬â Introduction absent, or one component absent or completely inadequate. | ââ¬â Outline of programs too general. ââ¬â Introduction of four criteria lacks specifics, no justification. -Clear and concise outline of two programs-Clear, concise introduction of four criteria. | ââ¬â Clear, concise and detailed outline of two programs-Clear, concise and detailed introduction of four criteria. | /10| Findings| -Many details absent or vague. -Criteria make meaningful comparison impossi ble. -Document is a mess. | -Details are clearly absent or vague. -Criteria are flawed in some way which renders the comparison somewhat ineffective. -Organization detracts from ease of visual processing, parallel form mistakes. ââ¬â Programs compared with a reasonable amount of detail. ââ¬â Criteria relatively well-chosen. ââ¬â Organization does not interfere with visual processing, parallel form used. | ââ¬â Programs compared fully according to cost and three other criteria. -Criteria are well-chosen and work to fully illuminate the two programs. -Organization allows for ease of visual processing, parallel form used. | /25| Recommenda-tion| ââ¬â Reasons not clear or detailed, section too short. | ââ¬â Gives general, somewhat vague reasons why one program was chosen and the other was not. ââ¬â Gives clear and detailed reasons why one program was chosen and the other was not. | ââ¬â Gives specific, clear and detailed reasons why one program was chosen and the other was not. | /10| Grammar and Style| ââ¬â Errors, major and minor, pervasive. ââ¬â Subheadings not used. | ââ¬â Two or three major errors. ââ¬â More than five minor errors. ââ¬â Subheadings used. | -One or two major errors. ââ¬â Three to five minor errors. ââ¬â Subheadings used. | ââ¬â No major errors. ââ¬â One or two minor errors. ââ¬â Subheadings used. | /15| How to cite Report on Two Software Programs with Business Application, Essay examples
Saturday, December 7, 2019
In the Nursery and New Baby free essay sample
In the Nursery is about a mother comparing her 7 month old son to a plant or flower which shows her love and affection for him. In contrast, New Baby is about the poet adopting a childââ¬â¢s voice and expressing its anger and annoyance for their baby brother. This essay will compare the two poemsââ¬â¢ use of language, poetic devices, perspective of speaker and structure. It will also include which poem I prefer and why. The use of language in the two poems is very different. New Baby uses simple, childish and exaggerated language. This is shown when Kay uses the sentence ââ¬Ënot that I like him or anythingââ¬â¢. An older person would find a more sophisticated way to say this, Kay uses these childish sentences throughout the poem . Using this language is effective as it makes it clear that it is the voice of a child but not a young one as Kayââ¬â¢s clever use of the word ââ¬Ëdevisedââ¬â¢ tells us. We will write a custom essay sample on In the Nursery and New Baby or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page On the other hand, In the Nursery uses more sophisticated and positive language. Stevensonââ¬â¢s language in this poem is plant and flower based. This is made clear when she says that her sonsââ¬â¢ eyes are ââ¬Ëcorollasââ¬â¢ and stating that his yawning is a flower blossoming. Both poems have used many poetic devices. In the Nursery has an extended metaphor which helps to compare the baby to a flower or plant. ââ¬ËSleep drops off him like soilââ¬â¢ is the simile that Stevenson uses. It tells us that the baby is floppy and delicate. It is effective as it gives a clear image of this. Alternatively New Baby uses no similes or metaphors. It has lots of alliteration; ââ¬Ëbaby brotherââ¬â¢ is one of the alliterations Kay uses. She also uses anthropomorphism in many of her stanzas. ââ¬ËThe Rottweiler next door phoned up to complainââ¬â¢ is an example of this. It is effective as it helps to make it clear that it is a child speaking because children usually have a vivid imagination. In the Nursery, the perspective of speaker is first person and this is the mother of the baby boy. This is shown by the use of ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢ in the first sentence. It is made clear that the speaker is the boyââ¬â¢s mother as it is very affectionate and loving; ââ¬Ëhis cheeks against mine/in the first soft day in the gardenââ¬â¢ show this. Alternatively, New Baby is also first person which is shown by the use of ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢ and the speaker is a child, which is made clear by simple use of language and a vivid imagination, ââ¬Ëthat the rats and mice wore headphonesââ¬â¢ is an example of these. In New Baby, there are only 3 lines in a stanza; this is effective because it emphasizes the repetition. Each stanza is only one sentence, this reinforces that it is a child. Enjambment is used in the fourth stanza this is clever because the first three stanzas are light hearted in its tone, Kay uses enjambment when the poem gets sinister and more complicated, ââ¬â¢I think of sitting the cat on top of himââ¬â¢ shows that this poem isnââ¬â¢t just funny because the child wants to hurt his brother and is angry with his presence. In the Nursery has one stanza; this makes it easy to read. In the Nursery is only about one moment in time and has 6 clear ideas. To summarise, these two poems are very different in their language, poetic devices, perspective of speaker and structure, however they have one similarity: they are both about babies! The poem I prefer is In the Nursery for the reason that it is much happier, positive and more pleasant than New Baby. New Baby has a sad and sinister meaning to it, even though itââ¬â¢s funny.
Friday, November 29, 2019
Risk Management, Its Methodologies and Standards
Introduction Risk management is an integral part of any organisation. The efficiency of risk management determines organisational success. The construction industry is where risk management is applied widely as a principle.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Risk Management, Its Methodologies and Standards specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Chapman and Ward (2003), risk management can be viewed as the process of risk identification, assessment, and prioritisation. During a risk identification process, people who are responsible for its control in organisations can proceed with the process of mitigating the hazard. Risk minimisation or management is only successful through a well-coordinated process that involves maximisation of the available resources (Vose 2000). There are different sources of risks in any market such as financial uncertainty, failure in the undertaken projects, and accidents in the lin e of work (Vose 2000). Other risks in organisations include legal liabilities within the project and the possibility of natural and fabricated disasters (Bennett 2003). These risks can cause negative effects on the organisations if they are unpredicted and/or unplanned for by the concerned parties. Organisations need to ensure that they have adequate risk management strategies in place to ensure that they are able to curb the threats posed by any possible risk. Through many studies in risk management, several standards have resulted such as the ISO standards (Harris McCaffer 2006). This paper looks at risk management and methodologies that are used to achieve these standards. Methodologies The management of threats to the normal functioning of an organisation or any project can take a number of routes. As a result, many methods of risk management have been identified. One way of threat management involves the transfer of the threat to another party that is equipped to handle the th reat (Harris McCaffer 2006).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Organisations or project managers and other people who are entrusted with threat management can also avoid the perceived threat as another way of threat management (Vose 2000). If the threat is unavoidable, the effects of the threat can be reduced through proper control of the threat. Threats are associated with negative effects. A way to ensure that they are mitigated is to plan adequately and/or set up structures to control the perceived threats. The method of risk management involves five basic processes, namely threat identification, threat assessment, risk determination, risk reduction assessment, and prioritisation of the reduction measures (Vose 2000). The first step of threat identification involves a number of intricate processes that vary from one organisation to another. In this process, potential thre ats are identified according to the field or line of business that an organisation is operating. Threats are considered those events that pose potential harm to the organisational processes or structure. The sources of the potential threats are then identified using the available structures in the organisation as a whole. In the analysis of the sources of risks, categorisation into internal and external sources is possible to dictate the best methods of handling the threats and risks (Bennett 2003). In the construction industry, some of the sources of threats and risks include poor weather and the employees within the industry. In this case, employees act as the internal risk while the weather is an external risk. Risk identification takes different forms in organisations. The process is dependent on culture, the practice in the particular industry, and training for the risk assessment managers (Vose 2000). Once identified, the perceived risks are then subjected to the next step of assessment (Bennett 2003).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Risk Management, Its Methodologies and Standards specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The assessment of risks involves estimating their severity, the estimation of the probability of the risks occurring, and the period in which they may occur (Harris McCaffer 2006). The risk management plan is a product of adequate risk assessment. Therefore, adequate resources must be put into the risk assessment to ensure that the developed plan is adequate to forestall any threat. Various researchers have described the methods applied in risk assessment. However, these methods are not always positive to the overall organisational performance. Expert Audit An expert audit is important in the determination of the impeding risks and developing of adequate means and measures of mitigating them. In this section, an expert audit is provided on the risks involved when joining a university. It is crucial to classify and rank the risks in order, with an assessment of the usefulness of measures to communicate the risks to the newer students. Several risks are associated with joining university. One major risk is the probability of doing a course that is not marketable in the job market. A student can join the university with inadequate knowledge of the marketability of the course that he or she is about to do. The result of this situation is unemployment once he or she completes the course. Another risk is the failure to complete the university education. Students encounter hardships along the way such as lack of fees to pay for the services. Another risk on joining university is poor performance, which may lead to redoing a year or sitting for supplementary papers. This case is a common incidence in many institutions. Students who join these institutions are at the risk of the same occurrences. The fourth risk upon joining the university is the possibility of being involved with the wrong company, with the result being disciplinary measures because of misconduct. Peer influence is a significant part of any learning institution.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Students are constantly under the threat of being involved in peer relationships that are likely to be a negative influence on their studies. The fifth risk on coming to campus is the probability of being involved in drug abuse. Many of the students have found themselves in groups that influence and/or cause them to abuse drugs, with disciplinary measures often working against their favour. The evaluation of risk management for the stated risks will be beneficial in assessing the risks for the students joining the university since it enables them to develop adequate ways of avoiding the risks. Some of the ways that the new students can use include adequate choice making on the company that they need to keep. It will be important to communicate these risks to new students to the institutions. This strategy will help them assess their interactions and habits. The risk assessment will also enable these students have the right measures in place to help them avoid situations that might i nfluence their academic life and performance negatively. In this scenario, risk assessment is not only important but a requirement (Bennett 2003). Health and Safety Risk Management The Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations of 2007 have been a common term in the construction industry since their inception. However, there is the need to change these regulations based on the assessments done on them by a number of researchers and construction managers (Harris McCaffer 2006). The HSE statistical data shows that the efficacy of the regulations may not be originally designed (Vose 2000). The main concern in these regulations is how they were working in practice, as stated in many forums (Vose 2000). According to reviews carried on them, these regulations are serving their intended purpose in guaranteeing safety and health management in the construction industry. However, people who are tasked with these reviews had concerns with the way the regulations were less effective in the minimisation of bureaucracy and competence evaluation in the construction practice (Chapman Ward 2003). A review of the regulations and processes provided an overview of the poor competence and training in the construction industry in matters relating to health and safety. There were also concerns over the proliferation of accreditation schemes, which also had overlapping roles (Vose 2000). The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) of the CDM regulations of 2007 also lacked any pre-qualification measures for the accrediting authorities (Chapman Ward 2003). Recommendations can be based on the established weaknesses and problems. One of the recommendations is that there is the need to revise the guidelines that are set by the regulations. However, the revision needs to be consultative. Another recommendation is that the HSE should evaluate the CDM effectiveness and ensure that the duties expressed here are clear and that there is the presence of little if any bureaucracy. Besides, appropriate guidelines can be formulated for smaller projects that are considerate of project scale (Hartmann, van Meerveld, Vossebeld Adriaanse 2012,). There is also need to carry out consultative interactions between authorities and stakeholders to oversee proper utilisation of the guidelines that are already in place before new ones can come into effect. Any of these proposed changes should keep with the prevailing standards while also serving as an improvement of health and safety regulations in the construction industry (Harris McCaffer 2006). BIM as a Tool for Risk Management Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an important methodology in the management of construction risks. It mainly applies in the management of managing procurement risk (Eadie, Browne, Odeyinka, McKeown, McNiff 2012). BIM allows managers to coordinate events in the construction process from start to finish (Chapman Ward 2003). Over the next ten years, the use of 2D in modelling will be obsolete wit h the development of BIM (Vose 2000). The future models will be 3Ds, which offer better resolutions and ability for the construction designers and managers to plan and put in place measures that are aimed at improving their projects and reducing costs and risks in the construction process (Chapman Ward 2003). Clash identification is important in project design and in the utilisation of BIM in the construction process. One way in which clash identification assists in risk identification is through allowing appropriate measures to be put in place before the actual construction process can take place (Harris McCaffer 2006). Risk identification in BIM is possible through the advanced processing models that have been developed through trial and error. Learning about BIM is important since it carries some advantages while working on a construction process. BIM has allowed the creation of very advanced designs in the construction industry. This situation has created competition. BIM has also improved the safety of projects through subjecting designs to appropriate tests while they are at the design phase. The construction costs have also been reduced through adequate planning that is possible with BIM. A 3D model that is produced in the software allows managers to make any changes in the construction process to ensure that they minimise the materials to be used in the construction process (Chapman Ward 2003). It also contributes to safety at the workplace due to the development of standards and estimation of the areas that might be a challenge to the construction workers. In the training, especially in relation to the course, BIM is important in that it allows students to have a better grasp of the construction process and planning for such events (Bynum, Issa Olbina 2013). In the future interviews, BIM will be important in demonstration of skills that are acquired through training. Having competencies in BIM will be an added advantage at the workplace. Interview s require one to be acquainted with the use of the software. In the work situation, BIM will be important since it will bring added advantages such as stated above. BIM has had an impact on design in several ways. For instance, designs have become complicated, as designers are able to evaluate the different methods of design and test them on the planning phase (Bynum, Issa Olbina 2013). BIM has also revolutionised designing of construction projects by ensuring that they are adequately tested for safety in the development stage. Designers also have more time and resources available to them while using BIM (Vose 2000). The BIM execution plan has been a significant part of the design. Developers can now assess the various parts of the project accurately (Bynum, Issa Olbina 2013). The execution plan is simple for the construction designers. It only requires basic knowledge in design. Risk Management of Infrastructure Investment in infrastructure over the last two decades in the UK has changed significantly. Some of the changes in the infrastructure projects include the rate at which the tendering, procurement, and the actual construction process take place (Park Kim 2007). The design of infrastructure has improved with improvements in the designing software and knowhow (Harris McCaffer 2006). The observed changes have also taken place because of the new regulations in government procurement and tendering processes. The introduction of stricter measures in the industry means that the construction companies have to comply with higher standards than previously considered. The difference with infrastructure financing and investment in the UK is evident. Infrastructure financing is the actual financial input into infrastructure projects, while infrastructure investment looks at the overall number and size of the infrastructure projects. Risks in infrastructure investments can attract massive losses in the industry, with finance being lost this way. The risks in thi s area include financial risks, legal risks, and environmental risks. The financial risks include the poor financing that may be evident as the prices of goods in the industry escalate. The poor weather and other environmental forces such as storms may be a risk for the infrastructure too. Conclusion Risk management is an integral part of any organisation. The efficiency of risk management determines organisational success. The construction industry is where risk management is applied widely as a principle. Different sources of risks in any market include financial uncertainty, failure in the undertaken projects, accidents in the line of work, legal liabilities within the project, and the possibility of natural and fabricated disasters. These risks have been identified as causes of negative effects on the organisations if they are unpredicted and/or spontaneous. The paper looked at some of the risk management methodologies. It has provided an audit into the risks associated with joi ning the university besides looking at some ways that are used in risk management. References Bennett, F 2003, The Management of Construction: A Project Life Cycle Approach, Butterworth-Heinemann, London. Bynum, P, Issa, R Olbina, S 2013, ââ¬ËBuilding Information Modelling in Support of Sustainable Design and Constructionââ¬â¢, Journal Of Construction Engineering Management, vol. 139 no. 1, pp. 24-34. Chapman, C Ward, S 2003, Project Risk Management: processes, Techniques and Insights, John Wiley and Sons Ltd, London. Eadie, R, Browne, M, Odeyinka, H, McKeown, C McNiff, S 2012, ââ¬ËBIM implementation throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: An analysisââ¬â¢, Automation In Construction, vol. 36 no. 1, pp. 145-151. Harris, F McCaffer, R 2006, Modern Construction Management, Blackwell, London. Hartmann, T, van Meerveld, H, Vossebeld, N Adriaanse, A 2012, ââ¬ËAligning building information model tools and construction management methodsââ¬â¢, Automation I nà Construction, vol. 22 no. 1, pp. 605-613. Park, C Kim, H 2007, A framework for construction safety management and visualisation systemââ¬â¢, Automation In Construction, 33, Augmented Reality in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, pp. 95-103, Routlege, London. Vose, D 2000, Quantitative Risk Analysis: A Guide to Monte Carlo Simulation, John Wiley and Sons Ltd, London. This report on Risk Management, Its Methodologies and Standards was written and submitted by user America E. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Yoruba warlords essays
Yoruba warlords essays Yoruba Warlords of the 19th Century written by Toyin Falola and G. O. Oguntomisin depicts the view of Yoruba life from a historical perspective. This book mainly focuses on Yoruba citizens going to war, and how it affects people around them. It is split up into two parts. The first part discusses the heroes that came out of warfare, and how they rose to the occasion. The second part which will be the primary focus of this essay discusses the diplomatic nature of warfare, and the consequences which it had on those people affected by war. Yoruba warfare of the Nineteenth Century is a well written book, which presents many aspects to war besides the casualties and heroes; it shows the interests of the entire society from a historical perspective. This perspective truly puts this book on another level from other books which try to depict a book based on a period filled with warfare. The authors accomplish this by successfully narrating the role of the warlord, and depicting the refugees, and their quest for survival. Wars resulted from their personal clashes of ambition. (p. 13). This is one of the main arguments made by the authors in regard to the causes of war. Moreover, they not only focus on the nineteenth century, but as a historical book they show examples of the past, which helps the readers conclude to realize that war was not always the answer. War was seen as a last result between Yoruba sub-groups, and even if they did go to war it was a wrestling match between the leaders (13). Falola and Oguntomisin brilliantly depict the role of the warlord by illustrating them with barbarian like characteristics. This is personified by the warlords uneasiness when there prolonged periods of peace or truce. An interesting fact in this book is how warlords would exaggerate their birth or career in order to separate themselves from the ordinary man. One of the most interesting facet...
Friday, November 22, 2019
Differentiated Instruction Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Differentiated Instruction - Research Paper Example With the coming into implementation of the plan instruction and, assessment and curriculum for education in the school district has been aligned to this. I am currently serving as a teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School a position I have held for the last seven years. The school has a population of about seven hundred students, in preparatory school through to the seventh grade. Each level has three classes which have a team led by a team leader (Cusumano &Mueller, 2007). Instructional support is offered by a psychologist employed by the school on full time basis, a rereading consultant for the reading program, special education program which is staffed with gifted and talented teacher. In 2010 the school district put into action a balanced literacy program intended to align every school standards with those of the state (Cifuentes, &Ozel, 2006). While this program has been successfully implemented in terms of curriculum and instructional support, Hillcrest Elementary School still h as the lowest rate of literacy especially in reading with approximately 35% of the learners scoring minimal and basic scores in the sixth grade WKCE. Description of Objectives To improve proficiency in the implementation of a balanced literacy program in my classroom placing significant emphasis on instructed reading so as to enhance learner achievement aligned to school benchmarks, while at the same time enhancing enjoyment and interest in reading (Lawrence-Brown, 2004). Rationale for the Objectives and the Connection to Self Reflection, Educational Situation, and Standards The school district has been engaged in the implementation of a balanced literacy framework that covers the seven schools in the district. Greater emphasis has been placed upon the training and implementation of writersââ¬â¢ workshop, guided reading and supplementary literacy initiatives incorporated into all K-5 classrooms (Levy, 2008). Hillcrest Elementary School has set benchmarks of the improvement of wri ting and reading which is based upon school performance data. In my reflection I determined that there was a need to take into account best practices in reading instruction. I recognized a need to acquire more skills in the employment of guided strategies for reading which took into account and focused upon specific needs of individual students (Zmuda, Kuklis, & Kline, 2004). In the past my teaching was primarily targeted at the class as a whole which resulted in a feeling that there was a discrepancy since the high performers felt underworked while the low achievers felt overburdened. An analysis of student performance has portrayed that the low achievers show little improvement while the high achievers many a time complain of a lack of interest in learning as a result of the content not being challenging enough (Gibson, & Hasbrouck, 2008). Plan for Documenting and Assessing Achievement of Objectives I will employ instructed reading in a gradual manner in order to evaluate the prog ression of student achievement towards proficiency that is aligned to certain grades. Achievement will also be evaluated according to DRA benchmark evaluations administered at the beginning and end of the year. In order to evaluate enjoyment of reading and enhancement of interest, I will
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