Rogerian Argument Are The SATs Outdated - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1075 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2019/02/20 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Rogerian Argument Essay Did you like this example? It is a little known fact that the tax bracket one’s family falls under can give an idea of what ones SAT score would be, which has some saying that it is biased to the more fortunate. The latter half of a students high school experience is a very stressful time, not only have to juggle numerous after school activities, college tours and applications, but also have to cope with the stress of standardized testing such as the SATs. Some of those stress factors, such as the SATs, are seen outdated and unfair to some students and either need to be wiped away completely or changed drastically in the opposers opinions. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Rogerian Argument: Are The SATs Outdated?" essay for you Create order The fact of the matter is the seemingly never ending debate on whether the SATs are outdated and or unfair, and the question everyone wants to know the answer to is if they should still even be in use. Are the SATs an accurate representation of intellect, or are they an outdated biased way for colleges to be selective? Many feel that the SATs are an accurate representation of intelligence, and give a valuable indicator of a students potential, and college success. Jeffery Penn, a reporter for the New York Academy of Sciences, says â€Å"the standardized college admissions test continues to be a reliable predictor of college success. In addition, for some subjects, SAT scores are statistically more consistent predictors of college freshman grades than high school grades†(Penn). What Penn, an advocate for standardized testing is stating is that there is a well founded correlation of college grades and SAT scores, which is a more accurate correlation than that of college grades and high school grades. Jack Buckley, the former commissioner for the national center for education statistics describes these tests as a â€Å"neutral yardstick for measuring student potential and performance† (Buckley). One, like Buckley, might say that the SAT score in many cases mirrors first year college perf ormance, and is a valuable tool for colleges to be sure they are getting a spot filled with a valuable scholar. Furthermore, Gaston Caperton, a former governor, and the president of the College Board, states that SATs Help Colleges Make Smarter Admissions Calls,(Caperton). When students are equally as impressive with their GPAs and such, colleges have no other tools but the SAT scores to determine college preparedness, making it an important step in the application process. Overall many feel as if the SATs should be here to stay, because they have an important role in maintaining a level playing field, and are a reliable source on finding out important characteristics of students. While many question the validity of the SATs, and feel it is an obsolete tool, It does seem to be helpful in some aspects of the application process, and has been for 93 years. The colleges have every right to put tough decisions in the hands of the college boards exam because it is very difficult to decide on students who are head to head with activities and grades. The admissions team of many schools believe that it is a key indicator of college readiness, and how students handle stress independently and have the statistics to prove it as well. Therefore the test is seen as the most valuable and reliable tool for those selective schools. Contrary to the beliefs previously discussed, many professionals, parents, and scholars believe that the SATs are not a reliable indicator of college readiness and intellect. First, many believe these tests tend to favor the fortunate, and turn a blind eye to those of whom are poverty stricken. Cooper Aspegren, a news editor for the oracle, says â€Å"socioeconomically disadvantaged test-takers simply cannot afford the benefits of SAT preparation services in the form of private tutors or classes that cost thousands of dollars.†(Aspegren). When the test rolls around, these students are already at a disadvantage before entering the test room. Another reason for people feeling the SATs are obsolete is the fact that it lacks a very important skill set within the actual test, that colleges actually value. The test undisputedly lacks â€Å"outside the box thinking† which is a trait colleges seek for enrollment. Randon Busteed, the executive director of Gallup education specif ically states that â€Å"the biggest problem with standardized testing is that it seeks standardized answers. Were not just overinvesting in standardized testing, were actually testing standardization†(Busteed). With that being said, the SATs are designed for students to have the same or similar answers. While it is important for there to be a test in place that tests this type of intellect, it is apparent we are missing many other forms of intelligence and competencies. Bad test takers are often those who think outside the box, and find other ways to figure something out. The true claim people like Aspegren are stating, is that the problem solvers are at a disadvantage. One who disputes the fact that the SATs are outdated can not dispute some of the facts. Those who cant afford the test tutoring tend to do worse on their scores than those who can afford the very expensive tutoring, and there is data to prove it. Also, the SATs lack all but standardized intelligence, which is undeniably an important trait but the many others can not be forgotten about. As of right now the SATs have some good qualities, but lack fairness and inclusiveness which makes the test not as great as it could/should be. As of now, the SATs are an unfair test and are not a valid way to measure intelligence. It is reasonable to measure intelligence in a test, but not just standardized intelligence. While it is unlikely that the SATs will be disregarded, the more ideal option would be to fix the test, starting with cost. The college board should offer free tutoring for the test, and financial aid for those who normally wouldnt be able to afford the test. The test should also mix in some outside the box thinking options for those who are creative. The SATs should place higher emphasis on parts that make students stand out as individuals. If the college board were to alter the test, it would be looked at as more of an opportunity for all, rather than a setback for some. With that being said, the test is not too far gone, and should be fixed because it decides the fate of many, so it should at least be fair.

Review of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

David Copperfield is probably the most autobiographical novel by Charles Dickens. He uses many incidents of his childhood and early life to create a considerable fictional achievement. David Copperfield also stands as a midpoint in Dickens oeuvre and is at least somewhat indicative of Dickens work. This novel contains a complicated plot structure, a concentration on the moral and social worlds, and some of Dickens most wonderful comic creations. David Copperfield is a broad canvas on which the great master of Victorian fiction uses his entire palette. Unlike many of his other novels, however, David Copperfield is written from the point of view of its titular character, looking back on the ups and downs of his long life. Overview David Copperfield traces the life of David, the protagonist, from a happy early childhood through a miserable span of cruel surrogate parents, harsh working conditions, and crushing poverty to an ultimately wiser, contented existence as a happily married adult. Along the way he meets a memorable cast of characters, some hateful and selfish and others kind and loving. The main character is modeled closely after Dickens life, especially since his hero finds later success as a writer, The story, published as a serial in 1849 and 1850 and as a book in 1850, also serves as Dickens critique of the bleak conditions for many children in Victorian England, including its notorious boarding schools. Story Copperfields father dies before he is born and his mother later remarries the frightful Mr. Murdstone, whose sister soon moves into their house. Copperfield is sent away to boarding school after he bit Murdstone when he was undergoing a beating. At the boarding school, he becomes friends with James Steerforth and Tommy Traddles. Copperfield doesnt complete his education because his mother dies and hes sent to work at a factory. There he boards with the Micawber family. At the factory, Copperfield experiences the hardships of the industrial-urban poor until he escapes and walks to Dover to find his aunt, who adopts him. After finishing school, he goes to London to seek a career and reconnects with Steerforth, introducing him to his adoptive family. Around this time, he falls in love with young Dora, the daughter of a renowned solicitor. He is reunited with Traddles, who also is boarding with the Micawbers, bringing the delightful but economically useless character back into the story. In time, Doras father dies and she and David marry. Money is tight, however, and Copperfield takes up various jobs to make ends meet, including writing fiction. Things arent well with Mr. Wickfield, with whom Copperfield boarded during school. Wickfields business has been taken over by his evil clerk, Uriah Heep, who now has Micawber working for him. However, Micawber and Traddles expose Heeps misdeeds and finally have him thrown out,  returning the business to its rightful owner. Copperfield cant savor this triumph because Dora has become ill after losing a child. She dies following a long illness and David travels abroad for many months. While hes traveling, he realizes that hes in love with his old friend Agnes, Mr. Wickfields daughter. David returns home to marry her and becomes successful writing fiction. Personal and Societal Themes David Copperfield is a long, sprawling novel. In keeping with its autobiographical genesis, the book reflects the ungainliness and largeness of everyday life. In its early parts, the novel displays the power and resonance of Dickens critique of a Victorian society, which provided few safeguards for the poor, particularly in the industrial heartlands. In the later parts, we find Dickens realistic, touching portrait of a young man growing up, coming to terms with the world, and finding his literary gift. Although it portrays Dickens comic touch, its serious side isnt always apparent in Dickens other books. The difficulties of becoming an adult, marrying, finding love, and becoming successful feel real, shining from every page of this delightful book. Full of lively wit and Dickens finely tuned prose, David Copperfield is an excellent example of the Victorian novel at its height and Dickens as its master. It deserves its sustained reputation into the 21st century.

Mission statement Free Essays

This   essay   deals   with   three   mission   statements   of   human   service   organizations. It   evaluates   the   effectiveness   of   each, as   a   qualitative   mission   statement.  A mission statement is defined as , â€Å" a   brief   description   of   a   company’s fundamental purpose. We will write a custom essay sample on Mission statement or any similar topic only for you Order Now A   mission   statement   answers   the   question, â€Å" why   do   we exist?’ It articulates   the   company’s   purpose   both   for   those   in   the   organization   and   in   the public†. ( Ward Susan ) Statement 1   : The   first   mission   statement   chosen   for   this   essay   is   that   of   the   center   for   faith-  based      community   initiatives, Unites   States   department   of   health   and   human   services.  It   consists   of   three   paragraphs. The   first   paragraph   says   that   it   intends   to   create  an   environment   where   faith   based   and   community   based   organizations   are   invited  to   be   partners, â€Å" to   focus   on   improving   human   services   for   our   country’s   neediest  citizens †. The   second   paragraph   mentions   that   many   more   faith   based   and   community  based   organizations   have   been   made   partners, and   offered   technical   help   the   needy  citizens. It   also   says   that   it   has   collaboration   with   many   old   organizations   and   its  staff   is   trained   well   to â€Å" understand   how   to   reach   out   and   partner   with   these  organizations†. The   third   paragraph   states   that   it â€Å"provides   information   and   training,   but   does  not   take   decisions   on   which   groups   will   be   funded†. It   further   gives   web   links   for  more information.   Analysis   of   this   mission   statement   reveals   that   it   does   not   convey â€Å" what† is/are  the   real   functions   of   the   center. The   statement   has   words   which   have   too   broad  meanings, like â€Å" partners†, â€Å" collaboration†, etc. By   reading   this   statement   the   only  aspects   which   become   clear   are   that   the   center   makes   partnerships   with  Ã‚   faith   based   and   community based   organizations   to   help   needy   citizens   and   it   does   not   take   decisions   on   funding. Answers   to   what   type   of   â€Å" information   and   help† is mgiven   to   partners   is totally   missing. Giving   some   idea   of   specifics   of   functional   areas   would   have   added   a   lot   of   meaning   to   this   statement.( CFBCI )  An   hypothetical   example   will   prove   this. ‘A’ may   say   that   its   mission   is   to  Ã¢â‚¬Å" make   profits †. ‘B’ may   say, its   mission   is   to â€Å" make   profits   by   importing   crude  Ã‚  oil   and   selling   it   in   the   local   market†. The   second   is   a   much   better   mission  statement.  This   statement, though   very   long, is   a   bad   example   of   a   mission   statement. Statement – 2 The   second   statement   is   the   one   issued   by   College   of   Liberal   Arts   and  Sciences, Villanova   University, Department   of   Education   and   Human   Services.  It   makes   clear   that   it   supports   the   Catholic   Augustinian   thought   tradition   and   it   treats   every   individual   on   the   campus   as   a   unique   human   being, working   with  one goal,   that   of   ‘ assimilation   of   knowledge’.   The   second   paragraph   tells   very   specifically   its   purpose   is   to   prepare   teachers,  human   service   providers, counselors, supervisors   and   administrators. This   is   achieved  through   theoretical   and   practical   exposures   in   school   and   community   settings. It  claims   that   each   of   its   graduates   will   have    a   commitment   to   social   justice,  cultivation   of   the   intellect, and   willingness   to   serve. This   is   an   ideal   example   of   a   good   mission   statement. Needless   to   say   that  assimilation   of   knowledge   is   the   mission   of   any   department   of   an   University, but  this   statement   further   clarifies   the   areas   of   knowledge   to   be  Ã‚   imparted, how   it   is  imparted   and   what   are   the   expected   results   of   its   mission. It   also   mentions   that   it  is   dedicated   to   the   Christian   Augustinian   faith. The   only   drawback   of   this   statement   is   that   the   language   and   the   vocabulary  bear   a   very   high   profile, especially   in   the   second   paragraph. The   message   can   be  understood   only   by   those   who   are   very   good   at   English. Perhaps, simple   words  and   shorter   sentences   would   have   been   more   effective. ( mission statement ). Perhaps, simplicity   communicates   the   best !! Statement – 3 The   third   statement   analyzed   in   this   essay   is   of   an   association   names   as  PROTECT. Its   one   paragraph, very   short   yet   very   comprehensive   mission   statement  says   that   it   is   a   ‘pro   child, anti   crime   membership   association ’. It   is   founded   on  the   belief   that   the   first   and   most   sacred   obligation   as   parents, citizens   and   human  beings   is   to   protect   children   from   harm. Its   aim   is   to   build   a   powerful, non  partisan   force   to   protect   children   from   abuse, exploitation   and   neglect. It   is   also  clear   that   the   tools   adopted   to   achieve   its   goals   would   be   a   determined   single-issue   focus, a   meaningful   mainstream   agenda, and   use   of   proven    medical   political  strengths. This   is   one   more   example   of   a   good   mission   statement. It   gives   a   complete  picture   of   the   motives   of   the   organization. The   goals   are   clearly   stated   and   the  means   to   achieve   these   goals   are   also   very   clear. Some   more   clarity   could   have   been   added   if   the ‘ how ‘ part   of   the   statement   is   elaborated. Few   more   words   on  how   children   will   be   protected, will   make   this   an   ideal   mission   statement. The only  drawback   of   this   statement   is   that   it   does   not   mention   if   the   target   is ‘ children’  on   a   universal   base, or ‘ children’ of   a   specific   country   only. ( protect ). Conclusion A   mission   statement   is   judged   by   its   ability   to   put   across   the   main   function   of  an   entity. Out   of   the   three   statements   selected   for   this   essay, one   does   not  communicate   the   crux   in   the   minimum   required   depth. This   is   despite   the   fact   that  it   is   a   very   long   statement. The   other   two   are   very   brief   and   successfully   tell   the  main   function   in   a   very   brief   fashion. These   are   good   mission   statements. None   of  them   have   to   say   anything   else, apart   from   the   main   function. Works-cited   page Ward Susan, Mission   statement, about Inc. a New York Times Company, 2007, Retreived on 4 April 07 from: CFBCI, CFBCI mission statement, Center for faith based and community initiatives, United States department of health and human services, 4 Dec 06, Retrieved on 4 April 07 from: http://hhs.gov/fbci/ Mission   statement, Department of education and human services, Vilanova University,   2003,   Retrieved on 4 April 2007 from: http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/artsci/education.html   How to cite Mission statement, Essay examples