Industry Trends in Charter Schools Free Essays

Industry Trends A charter schools is a new or converted public schools that are started by parents seeking another alternative to other existing schools in the area. Charter schools have been developed to serve a particular mission such as on art, or with a particular ethnic emphasis. Charter schools are still public schools. We will write a custom essay sample on Industry Trends in Charter Schools or any similar topic only for you Order Now However, there is strict accountability to maintain high standards and charter schools are given freedom from many of the regulations that apply to other public schools, which allows for greater flexibility and innovation in the classroom (INCS). Charter schools are helping in closing the achievement gap that often happen in traditional public schools. They are raising the bar of what is possible and what should be expected in public education. Charter schools are effective for lower income and lower achieving students and aide in shattering low expectations and breaking through long-standing barriers that have prevented large numbers of students from underserved communities from achieving educational success. Studies have been shown some show charters outperforming traditional public schools. Compared to students in the matched public school, charter students are 5. 2 percent more likely to be proficient in reading and 3. 2 percent more likely to be proficient in math on their state’s exams (Hoxby, p. 1). One of the many benefits of transforming to a charter schools is to be provide educational alternatives to families that would otherwise have no ability to choose a school. Middle-income families in the United States typically choose a school by choosing their residence and they often enjoy substantially freedom of choice. High-income families can choose a school by choosing residence in affluent neighborhoods whose property taxes also aide in financing schools in addition to state funds or they can afford to pay private school tuition. Thus, they can often choose over a variety of public and private schools. Low income families typically have little ability to choose a school and the property taxes which are usually low fund the school. Meaning limits on choice are few (Hoxby p. 18). Charter schools which are held to the same standards as public schools must take the same tests that are yielded to students in traditional public schools. However, accountability is different, tougher and parents are held accountable as well due to mandatory parental involvement. Parents that are vigorously involved in their child’s education will do better academically. Charter Schools offer parents in addition to board members and superintendent the chance to create schools that reflect their visions for their child’s education. Current Issues Some educators feel that charter schools are not effective and have not been around long enough to prove if they are actually efficient. Cohen feels that they are performing worse than most traditional public schools even with all the funding they receive. The reasoning behind this is due to inconsistency in staff because of the high turnover which can be equivalent to some traditional schools in poverty stricken neighborhoods. As she said, â€Å"all schools have their deficiencies, additional monies that charter schools receive could go to improve traditional public school educational reform† (Cohen). There are many educators who are for charter schools as stated by Jefferson Morales who claims â€Å"charter schools have the greatest chance to thrive when working collectively with administrators, teachers, students and parents which are all stakeholders in making sure that academic success is obtained. He also expresses that charters adhere to safe and systematic environment that is conducive to learning. It also allows for individualized instruction because the class sizes are smaller than traditional public schools, charters value quality teaching from great teachers of all walks of life. The curriculum is content-rich that is proven by research based instructional practices, teachers attend effective professional development seminars and charter schools have higher parental involvement† (Morales). Competiveness Those who back charter schools believe that charters create competition in the educational market, requiring traditional public schools to improve. Critics do not believe that competition encourages positive results and are concerned that the flowing of funds to charter schools will lessen the performance of traditional public schools and in so doing hurt students in traditional school settings. Zimmer and Gill, et al. , (2009) states studies that have examined systemic effects have used school level measures of competition, such as the distance from the charter school to nearby public schools or the proportion of the district’s students who are enrolled in charter schools. Hoxby (2002) and Bettinger (2005) used school-level outcomes to estimate competitive effects, while Holmes, DeSimone, and Rupp (2003); Bifulco and Ladd (2006); Sass (2006); and Booker, Gilpatric, et al. (2005) used student-level data for more-refined analyses of competition in, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas. Generally, these studies found small, positive competitive effects or no effects on students in nearby traditional public schools (p. 77). Although studies have provided for understanding of the competiveness of charters and traditional schools the effects may differ across states and laws for two reasons. Zimmer (2010) First, there is considerable variation across the country in the extent to which school-district enrollments are growing or shrinking. In rapidly growing districts charter schools may act more like a release valve than a source of competitive pressure. Second, the specific details of charter laws and policies may determine the extent to which school districts feel competitive pressure. For example, states may have laws, in which districts do not lose the money when a student transfers to a charter school, which in turn traditional schools do not have to compete for funding incentives for students (p. 79). For, instance there can only be 75 charter schools created in Chicago and 45 outside of Chicago. Laws governing charter schools in a state may require only so many schools which can restrict the competiveness between traditional and charter schools. Budgeting/Financing According to Illinois Network of Charter Schools, charters can seek and receive funding from several sources including individuals, businesses, fundraising and foundations. In addition, the U. S. Department of Education and the Walton Family Foundation each offers grants for starting charters. The Walton Family Foundation funding helps with the startup and planning of charter school. WFF currently offers three types of Startup Grants (INCS). †¢Pre-Authorization:$30,000 Maximum †¢Post-Authorization:$220,000 Maximum †¢Combination Startup: $250,000 Maximum The Charter School Program which is a federal program provides up to 36 months of funding to charter schools from the time they submit a complete charter application through their second year of operations. CSP offers two ways that a charter can receive funds (INCS). †¢Through State Education Agencies †¢Directly to Charter Schools These funds will serve to assist new charter schools during the critical detailed planning stages and initial start-up of operations through pre-charter planning, program design, and initial start-up of operations through pre-charter planning, program design, and implementation grants (ISBE). In addition to the other options mentioned in funding the converted charter the district spent 9,517 per student. Converting to a charter will allow for more funds to be spent per child as compared to other districts that spend $12,000-$15,000 per student. This will greatly influence resources and training need to assist in the school meeting AYP. Under the No Child Left Behind law, schools are measured by how well students are doing. If students continue not to meet expectations it can result in teachers being replaced or the school closes. Operating Expenses Students (Traditional) The following charts show funding sources that District currently receives. Converting to a charter school would provide additional funding for improving districts Obtained from ISBE Recommendations Charter Schools are product of educational reform; Jordan Middle School is public school located in Chicago, IL this educational institution services African American and Hispanic children in grades 6th-8th. The school has been not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in four years. Yes, scores have been increasing yearly but has not meet state requirements as of today. If requirements are not meet in the fifth year Illinois State Board of Education will come in and take over the school. As shown in the chart below only 70. 9% of students out of 534 are meeting the Illinois Standardized Assessment Test. The ISAT score for the state is 82. 0% (ISBE). Teachers and parents are requesting that the School District convert the middle school to a charter school. Under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, all schools are encouraged to have very high participation rates on their state’s exam in order to make Adequate Yearly Progress. Transforming the middle school from a public school to charter school will provide an opportunity to implement school-level reform and support new innovations which will improve student learning and assist in meeting AYP. The Superintendent and Board Members can work with charter school requesters to suggest mechanisms that will line up the petition and the district’s goals and vision for student learning. This chart was obtained by Illinois Interactive Report Card shows ISAT score for 2011 which indicates that the middle school did not meet AYP. References http://iirc. niu. edu/District. aspx? istrictid=07016143502011) http://incschools. org/start_a_charter/startupfunding/ Hoxby, M. Caroline. (December, 2004). Achievement in charter schools and regular public schools in the united states understanding the differences (pg. , 1 18). Retrieved on January 1, 2012 from http://www. vanderbilt. edu/schoolchoice/downloads/papers/hoxby2004. pdf J. Cohen (personal communication, Decem ber 16, 2011 J. Morales (personal communication, November 20, 2011) Zimmer, R. , Gill, B. , Lavertu S. , Sass, T. , White, B. (2009) Charter schools in eight states: effects on achievement, attainment, integration and competition. RAND Corporation, 77. How to cite Industry Trends in Charter Schools, Essay examples

They All Look The Same Essay Research free essay sample

They All Look The Same Essay, Research Paper Bobb Merline I Don t Know, But They All Look the Same. I am non traveling to allow this B # # ch acquire off with this. I said to myself as I carefully observed my auto for the grounds. At the parking batch of my work topographic point, a Mercedes Benz lightly hit my auto on the forepart bumper when the driver was heedlessly endorsing up. Even before I could recognize the circumstance, a Caucasic lady got out of the Mercedes and took a speedy glimpse at my auto. She said, I don t think I damaged your auto. Then, she parked her auto. For a unusual ground, my oral cavity was unbroken unfastened during the short period of clip. After parking following to the Mercedes, I found a small abrasion grade on my front bumper. At the same clip, I saw the lady hurriedly walk off. Excuse me, Mam. I approached the lady with my bogus soft mode. To my surprise, the response was non really sort. What? I am tardily for my meeting right now. Oh, I am regretful Mam, but I think you scratched my bumper. I replied in a low and unqualified tone. Didn T I merely tell you I did non damage your auto? Are you naming me a prevaricator, boy? Startled by her machine gun-verbal assault, my oral cavity was shut down for a minute. The sudden choler made my eyes broad unfastened and I found some silver pigment on the underside of the Mercedes s back bumper. Yes, it was clip for me to strike her dorsum. I burst right into her face and said, what the snake pit is this so, huh? Like a constabulary officer, I asked the Caucasian adult female for her driver s licence and insurance figure. The panicking adult female was non willing to give her private information to a crooked Asiatic pack member who drives a fixed up Honda Accord. Alternatively, she got on her cellular phone and explai ned the state of affairs to her attorney. Make I truly have to give them to that Asiatic male child? I don t Han 2 know, Chinese, Korean, whatever, they all look the same anyways. I could non assist non to listen to these statements which pierced through my ears from a distance. The white adult female asked me many inquiries as if I was the 1 who damaged her cherished E-Class. Is that your auto? , allow me see your insurance documents and licence, and oh, do you hold green card? What does your parents make? These inquiries surely made me lose my pique and made me cuss her out and I merely left the scene. Scheming criminals, illegal foreigners, greedy store proprietors, pedants, and lost tourers are some of the stereotypes which follow Asiatic Americans like their name ticket. Behind the drape, there is Hollywood, which represents the bulk of the American media. The American Media created stereotypes to convey negative and limited scope of ready-made stock images of the Asiatic immigrants. Since Asiatic Americans are among the minority groups, the remainder of the American society are most likely to run into them in the telecasting screen in their life room because non every metropolis in the state has Asiatic population like Los Angeles or New York. From the mobster # 8211 ; involved, short and cunning features of Asiatic work forces to the alien, sex hungry Asiatic adult females, the telecasting and film perpetuate the gender, race and category inequalities by leting these stereotypes to look over and over in their box office hits. In today s Television shows, it is impossible yo see a sexy hero like Brad Pitt with xanthous tegument and dark hair. In order for an Asiatic character to hit a hit film, he has to be amusing with broken English and most of all, the Kung # 8211 ; Fu maestro who flies among his enemies. More frequently than non, Asiatic work forces have ever played the function of evil and avaricious mobster in popular escapade films such as Lethal Weapon 4 # 8243 ; and Rush Hour. The myth that Asiatic American communities such as Chinatown is filled with illegal activities like drug dealing, harlotry, and pack motions all get their accent in the films. In Lethal Han 3 Weapon 4, Jet Li, who is the action hero in Asia plays the scoundrel. Jet Li plays the offense foreman who is in charge of smuggling illegal labour force from China, drug traffics, and assigned violent deaths among other things. When his Chinatown based operation is discovered by two Los Angeles constabulary officers, played by a Caucasic and a black histrion, the pursuit is on to capture the foreign scoundrel. The consequence, of class, the cowpuncher # 8211 ; like bulls defeat the immorality Kung # 8211 ; Fu maestro and his crew with American manner contending. In another popular escapade film, Rambo, the muscular white male hero Sylvester Stallone, individual handedly defeated a small town full of Vietnamese soldiers in his pursuit to destruct Communism. Such a heroic attempt could non be possible in world. This sort of movie creates the images of the Asiatic enemies who lack intelligence and bound also-rans. Besides, the Hollywood manufacturers tend to oversize the old male # 8211 ; laterality in Asian society which does non needfully use to the modern Asiatic American society. Suc h aspect labels the Asiatic work forces as the unwanted male spouses. The Asiatic adult male must besides expose no competition to the white adult male in footings of wooing with adult females, particularly Asiatic adult females. This facet is shown in the films with usual terminations where the white alien rescues the guiltless Asiatic miss from her evil Asiatic maestro. Out of sarcasm, the Asiatic adult male is non allowed to hold an confidant relationship with a white adult female because the white adult female can non be subjected to the Asian patriarchal system, which is seen as inferior and potentially degrading. The perfect illustration of this facet is that we have non seen an Y sexy, perspiration, and romantic Asiatic hero in the films. Asiatic work forces are portrayed as weak and less masculine to stress that they do non hold the ability to pull adult females into come ining company, unlike the white work forces who ever successfully grab the attending of the Asiatic adult females. For decennaries, Americans have viewed Asiatic immigrants as ever taking from this state without giving anything back. In the film Falling Down, the white chief character Han 4 played by Michael Douglas accuses a Korean grocer of run outing American resources without trouble oneselfing to suit into American society. This accusal justifies the lead character s devastation of the Korean s food market shop. Asiatic American work forces are besides used as the sidekick buffoon in comedy situation comedies in order to spice up the show. The Chinese nutrient bringing adult male in Seinfield and Mr. Kong in the King of the Hill both speak broken English and move silly in order to pull excess laughter. One most normally portrayed characteristic in many Asiatic characters in the films is that they are unfamiliar non merely with English but besides the modernized and logical western civilization. Asiatic actresses in the Hollywood are non immune from the repetitive stereotype disease such as the China Doll and the firedrake lady. Asiatic adult females are purportedly sexually active, alien, excessively feminine and tidal bore to delight work forces. This character is termed China Doll. In Return to Paradise, the film sets itself in Malaysia where three white male Americans spend their clip puting on the beach, utilizing drugs and kiping with the local misss. Even though the Asiatic female actresses in the film were non Asiatic Americans, it still conveyed the message that Asiatic adult females enjoy sexually functioning white work forces because they are white and rich. Another illustration of the China Doll character appeared in The Year of the Dragon. The chief histrion, a white constabulary head who is deemed racist towards Chinese, tries his best to extinguish force in New York s Chinatown. He befriends an Asiatic American female intelligence ground tackle to acquire his cleft # 8211 ; down on Chinatown force narratives on Television broadcast. The constabulary officer is depicted as chesty and selfish adult male, and the Asiatic intelligence ground tackle dislikes him because he makes derogatory comments about her being Chinese. However, the predictable consequence comes into drama when the constabulary officer visits the adult female s house, he coerces the new ground tackle into holding sex with him and she submits to him, despite giving him rejection smacks on the face prior to prosecuting in sexual intercourse. This film Han 5 non merely showed that Asiatic American adult females were inactive and indecisive, but it besides stressed that Asiatic American adult females desire to hold sex with white work forces, even if she says no ab initio. Dragon lady refers to an Asiatic adult female who is perceived as seductive, desirable but at the same clip, she is untrusty. Scheming, unreliable and unsafe, the firedrake lady is the female version of the Asiatic bad cat, merely with a somewhat different attack to get the better of her enemies. In the film Pay Back which features Mel Gibson as a good streetwalker, Lucy Lui plays a member of an Asiatic pack who seduces her male prays sexually and when they least anticipate it, she backstabs them. The show does non stop here. After all the negative stereo types for the Asiatic work forces and adult females, the Hollywood still has some more slugs left in the barrel which is aimed at the Asian community as a whole this clip. Asiatic Americans are frequently viewed as the theoretical account minority of America with their smart and persevering work ethic. Unfortunately, some of the portrayals in the films go excessively far in the incorrect way, picturing Asiatics as so unflawed that they are robbed of humanity. The Television situation comedy Pearl showed an Asiatic pupil who was an over # 8211 ; achiever with small emotional life. It is difficult to happen Asians in the telecasting who are relatable human existences. On the other manus, Asia is frequently used an account for the charming or supernatural. Alice by Woody Allen shows the charming powers of an elixir by holding the white chief character purchase it from an Asiatic herb doctor. This passes out the thought that Asi atic civilizations are so unusual and unknowable that they are unrealistic and can withstand the physical worlds of the western universe. A telecasting set or wireless in an American household plays major function in the household s day-to-day life. Many Americans entertain themselves with many universe celebrated hit telecasting shows and films. Besides, it is non the luck Teller but the telecasting sitting in the life room which will uncover the following President s smiley face. But, the good intent of informing the society backfires at Asiatic Han 6 Americans when the Hollywood which represents major part of American media, repeatedly shows the negative stereo types of Asiatic Americans. As a kid, one manner to memorise the English alphabet was to reiterate it over and over once more. Some of the stereotypes are even stuck to encephalon that I frequently joke about my Chinese friends about their parents having eating houses and their speech patterns. The stereotypes have become so common that it is O.K. to jest about Asiatic people without vacillation and go the cool and amusing cat. But, if the signal tower of the Television studio keeps on directing the negative stereotypes of Asiatic Americans to the remainder of the America, Asiatic Americans will ever be the foreigners with little eyes. Black felons, jocks, white rich work forces, rubbishs, Mexican workers, and Asian store proprietors, and pedants, we are all Americans.

The inspectors message Essay Example For Students

The inspectors message Essay Throughout the play Inspector Goole serves the purpose of creating tension and intrigue. For example, towards the end of Act One the inspector announces that Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton. Gerald Croft is started and asks the inspector to repeat his self. The inspector reiterates his statement to which Gerald croft reacts by pouring his self a glass of port creating an uneasy atmosphere. The inspector and Eric now leave the vicinity of the stage leaving Shelia and Gerald alone in this tense atmosphere. The audience now is intrigued to know what Gerald has done. Gerald now tries to avoid the subject to which Shelia exclaims; You not only knew her but you knew her very well. Otherwise you wouldnt have looked so guilty about it. One of the most important functions Inspector Goole serves is to act as a vehicle for Priestleys moral message; to teach the characters and audience that all our lives are linked. Like at the end of act two after Sybil Birling had been interrogated the inspector refuses to leave and Arthur comes to the conclusion that Eric is involved and proclaims; Look Inspector, youre not trying to tell us that that my boy is mixed up in this-? To which the inspector replies by saying sternly If he is, then we know what to do, dont we? Mrs Birling has just told us. His section of the play shows that, unbeknown to the family all their bad deeds are linked in the form of Eva Smith/Daisy Renton. The inspector is used all the way through the play to encourage the characters and audience to learn from the mistakes of the past and change in order to achieve a better future. The best example of this function is in the inspectors speech when he says millions of Eva Smiths and John  Smiths still left with us their lives intertwined with our own. We are responsible for each other. This extract just shows that the inspector does not want this point going to be overlooked and therefore re-enforces this point as one of his last words. I personally believe that Inspector Goole is successful in his five main functions. By the term functions I am referring to the main question asked which was Why do you think he inspector has called? This can be demonstrated by the way the characters react after his departure. Arthur, Sybil and Gerald were not as affected whereas the inspectors message has definitely sunk into the minds of Shelia and Eric. It was not only the characters that J.B. Priestley wanted the inspector to have an affect on, but also the audience. I believe that the inspector was successful in this also. This is because whilst reading the play I felt the emotions running though the play and even the slight anxiety that I would be the next to be interrogated. It also made me consider if any of the things I have done have had a negative effect on the lives of others. So, that is why I think that is why the inspector has called and not only affected the lives of the characters but the lives of the audience also. After Inspector Goole departs from the scene, Gerald returns with the news that the inspector was a hoax of some kind and there was no girl that died. Almost immediately, the phone rings and announces that a girl has just died and an inspector is about to call. I believe that after this news the Birling family and Gerald Croft now face a dilemma. Will they take the inspectors advice or will they cover up their actions? This is a question left in the mind of the audience.

Taiga Essay Example For Students

Taiga Essay The Taiga The taiga is the far northern coniferous forest of Siberia and by extension of Eurasia and America, extending to the northern limit of trees. Its winters are long and freezing, but the summers are short and humid. The materials that I used were; cocoa bursts, plain white paper, paper bags, pieces of leaves from my backyard, fake plastic trees, oil pastels, fake moss, cotton, green foam, and a sun from a belt buckle. In the background I have cotton representing clouds, a sun, and oil pastels as the color of the sky. For the mountains I put crushed cocoa bursts as rocks, and white out on the top of them like snow, the two big mountains are made of paper bags but the smaller ones are made of plain paper. In the tree area I put leaves from my backyard and substituted them as if they were trees. I also put fake trees from a cake. Around the river I put fake moss, colored it with oil pastels, and I also put green foam to hold some trees. 1.What is the TEMPERATURE RANGE? The average temperature range is -10C 15C (14F-59F). We will write a custom essay on Taiga specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now 2.What is the AVERAGE YEARLY PRECIPITATION? A taigas average yearly precipitation is about 40-61 cm. 3. What are the SOIL CHARACTERISICS? The soil characteristics are that the soil is acidic because of the trees containing acid substance. 4.What kind of VEGETATION IS COMMON? Mosses, lichens, and conifers are the kinds of vegetation there. 5.What kind of ANIMALS LIVE THERE? Birds, lynxes, moose, bears, elk, wolves, and rabbits live there.

The Alhambras Structure Buildings and Gardens

The Alhambras Structure Buildings and Gardens Introduction The Alhambra is now considered to be a real masterpiece of Islamic architecture; to a great extent, it represents a conception of Paradise as it was imagined by Muslim architects of the Middle Ages. This paper is aimed at examining the structure and relations of buildings and gardens in the Alhambra.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Alhambras Structure: Buildings and Gardens specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In particular, it is necessary to show what kind of purpose various elements of this complex serve and how they complement one another. The main focus will be on such components as the use of water, the selection of plants, architecture, and decorations, especially arabesques. Overall, it is possible to say that in the course of its history, the Alhambra transformed from an ascetic fortress into a beautiful palace and garden complex that was supposed to recreate or reflect the image of Paradise in various ways. The transformation of the Alhambra It is worth noting there was no master plan according to which the Alhambra had to be constructed. Its construction began in the middle of the fourteenth century, but since that time this complex was redeveloped and expanded several times (Mauriers Ossart, 2001, p. 70). Some buildings make the Alhambra resemble a medieval stronghold. In fact, its very name can be translated as red fortress. The Tower of Justice, which was built in 1348, exemplifies castle architecture (MobileReference 2007, p. 60). Nonetheless, the development of water supply system and the use of canals enabled architects and gardeners to transform the Alhambra into a courtly residence and a garden complex. The buildings located in the Alhambra can be characterized by austere exterior design which is a characteristic feature of Islamic architecture.Advertising Looking for essay on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, one should take into account that the designers included those elements which were not present in Islamic courtly palaces; in particular, we can speak about the lion sculptures that can be found in the Court of Lions (MobileReference 2007, p. 62). This feature can be viewed as untypical because the portrayal of animal life was encouraged in Islamic art (Lehrman, 1980, p. 97). Furthermore, the columns located in this pavilion are decorated with foliage. Moreover, this court is divided into four parts which are supposed to symbolize different parts of the world (Cornell, 2007, p. 101). Furthermore, this court is irrigated by four water channels which may represent rivers of Paradise (Cornell, 2007, p. 101). The symbolism is an important characteristic of every building located in the Alhambra. The columns in the Court of Lions are located in an almost irregular or random way. As a result, they look very similar to trees in a forest or a garden (Leh rman, 1980, p. 97). Certainly, at this point, one can only hypothesize whether the original intent of the architect was to recreate an image of Paradise. Yet, these columns do resemble trees in the eyes of a person who walks in this place. Such examples as the Tower of Justice and the Court of the Lyons are important because they illustrate two aspects of the Alhambra, a fortress and a courtly place at the same time. Additionally, the second example indicates that the theme of Paradise played in important role in the construction of these gardens. The following section will discuss the themes and conceptual background of this architectural complex. The Alhambra as a metaphor of Paradise Overall, the Alhambra can be viewed as an architectural metaphor of Paradise for several reasons. First, one has to remember that Islamic architects had to strive for coolness and shade because they had to work in climates with a particularly hot climate.Advertising We will write a custom ess ay sample on The Alhambras Structure: Buildings and Gardens specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is one of the main reasons why many Islamic courthouses and palaces were located within gardens. This was probably the most optimal choice that architects could make. Alhambra is probably the most well-known example of architectural complex. Yet, it is important to bear in mind that Islamic gardens had to have several constituent part, namely water, planting and geometric arrangement of elements of various architectural elements (Bowden-Pickstock, 2009, p. 132). They have to perform several functions, apart from bringing shade and coolness. First, they have to be pleasing to the eye, but they also have to remind visitors about harmony and peace of mind. As a rule, such architectural places are often called paradise gardens because they reflected the description of Paradise provided in Quran. This concept originated from Ancient Persia, but it la ter became very popular in Islamic architecture. On the whole, the Alhambra eloquently illustrates the notion of a paradise garden. First, the gardens of the Alhambra are surrounded by a fortified wall; to some degree. This layout is reminiscent to the notion of enclosed paradise garden that is not accessible to everyone (Bowden-Pickstock, 2009, p 130). Various entrance gates to this garden can symbolize the gates to Paradise that are open only to righteous people. As it has been pointed out before, the presence of such gates can be explained by the fact that for a long time, the Alhambra was used as a stronghold. Additionally, one has to speak about the importance of fountains in this place. The thing is that according to Muslim views, Paradise is a reminiscent of a garden in which large trees grow and water springs never become depleted. This problem was of great importance to Moors who lived in the medieval Spain. This is one of the reasons why there are so many fountains in the Alhambra. In this regard, one can definitely mention the fountain near the palace called Generalife (Mauriers Ossart, 2001, p. 70). The cascading water was to symbolize the splendor of Paradise. Additionally, it had to act as music for visitors. These fountains also show that the construction of this site required a significant amount of engineering effort.Advertising Looking for essay on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Apart from that, there are many pools in Alhambra and they reflect the facades of buildings. In many cases, such reflections appear to be more even more fascinating than the buildings themselves. This type of visual effects demonstrates the excellent of those architects who created these gardens. This is an example of how different elements of the Alhambra can interact with one another. Water does not serve only practical purposes such as cooling or refreshment. As it has been said before, fountains, pools and channels have to represent rivers of Paradise. They can also produce a very calming impression on the view. This is also an important function because the paradise garden must be a place of peace and tranquility. The second important aspect which should be discussed is the role of plants. In Islamic architecture, gardens can be divided into two categories: 1) bustan gardens which were used for agricultural purposes mostly, and 2) gulistan gardens that served mostly aesthetic p urposes and had to be pleasing to the eye (Bowden-Pickstock, 2009, p 130). The Alhambra gardens represent both these types. The thing is that there are many fig, olive and cedar trees in this place and their fruits fed many people who lived inside or outside the Alhambra (Bowden-Pickstock, 2009, p 130). Yet, these gardens are also fool of ornamental flowers which are planted their mostly for aesthetic reasons. Again, they create a structure and aesthetic union with buildings and fountains of the Alhambra. The choice of plants is also related to the concept of paradise. First of all, fig and olive trees are important for Islamic faith because they are mentioned in Quran (Bowden-Pickstock, 2009, p 135). Thus a paradise garden has to provide plenty of food to its dwellers and be pleasing to the eye of an onlooker at the same time. Therefore, one can argue the Alhambra was an attempt to recreate such a garden. Furthermore, this discussion should touch upon the importance of architecture and the use of geometry in the Alhambra. In the previous session, we have already mentioned that the Court of the Lyons was divided into four sections that were supposed to symbolize four parts of the world (Cornell, 2007, p. 101). Yet, this is only detail exemplifying the use of geometric forms. The interior and exterior sides of building located in the Alhambra are full of arabesques, rectangular figures or other decorative elements resembled flowers. In part, the entangled lines of arabesques symbolize growing plants and flowers in the garden. Secondly, the location of palaces is also important. The thing is that from outside palaces are virtually drowned by gardens. This impression is particularly strong when a person looks at the Alhambra from outside. Furthermore, there are no places within the Alhambra that do not have trees or flowers. Overall, this discussion shows that different elements of the Alhambra are supposed to conjure up the image of garden in which a person can be distracted from earthly problems. The selection of plants, fountains, the location of buildings, and various decorative elements such as arabesque were designed to recreate the image of the paradise garden. The metaphor of the garden is conveyed in several ways. First, one can speak about the emphasis on fountains and plants which can reflect the atmosphere of the paradise garden. Yet, one should not disregard the importance of architectural and decorative elements such as arabesques and columns symbolize flowers or trees. Overall, the theme of paradise is crucial for this architectural complex, and each element strives to emphasize the idea that this place is an attempt to recreate Paradise. Conclusion In the course of its history, Alhambra was redeveloped several times, but this architectural site retained its image of the paradise garden. Various elements of this complex symbolize the paradise garden, a concept which is very widespread in Islamic architecture. This complex evo lved from a fortress into one of the most beautiful courtly places in Spain. Certainly, it is not the first architectural complex that is based on the idea of the paradise garden, but it is definitely one of the most famous ones. References Bowden-Pickstock, S 2009, Quiet Gardens: The Roots of Faith?, Continuum International Publishing Group, New York. Cornell, V 2007, Voices of Islam: Voices of art, beauty, and science, Greenwood Publishing Group, New York. Lehrman, J 1980. Earthly Paradise: Garden and Courtyard in Islam, University of California Press, LA: Berkeley. Mauriers, A Ossart, E. 2001, Paradise Gardens, I.B.Tauris, London. MobileReference. 2007. Travel Andalusia, Spain for Smartphones and Mobile Devices Illustrated Travel Guide, Maps, and Phrasebook, MobileReference, New York.

Panic, Choke and Learn Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Panic, Choke and Learn - Essay Example Evaluators are likely to dismiss or assign scores based on their liking. Third, the success rate of the test is extremely low which raises eye-brows. If only 20% are likely to pass the test then it seems like its serving a totally different purpose other than the intended. 50% success rate would be reasoning enough if the tests were valid and reliable (Gatewood, et al., 2011). Based on the above highlighted problems reported on the selection program, a more motivating program that serves a relevant purpose should be adopted. First, the management team should devise and develop academic/mental interview questions and evaluation criteria that can assess employees on the electronic arena which is relevant to their job descriptions and not ask outrageous questions. To test for practical skills, the panel should ask the employees to perform some relevant operations using electronic equipment and replace the metal peg activity (Gatewood, et al., 2011). Also, much more transparency in the manner in which the procedure is undertaken should be enhanced such as openly printing out the results with the score criteria clearly elaborated. The union has valid arguments that can be backed up by the payment/compensation packages offered by the company. It can compare the kind of work the employees do with the remuneration. As reported, the company seeks to hire inexperienced workers so as to pay them as little as possible. Consequently, the confidentiality of the procedure is a point worth noting. The union can claim that the examinees’ results are tampered with since they are enclosed. Thirdly, the invalidity of the test questions is a strong argument to bring across as the activities asked to be performed are irrelevant with the nature of work. This is an indication that there is a hidden motive (Gatewood, et al., 2011). To ascertain that the aged worker was discriminated against, information about the eliminatory process in the program that sought to

The Internet and Self Employment - Increase of Business Owners because Essay

The Internet and Self Employment - Increase of Business Owners because of the Internet - Essay Example Internet is a technology, which is used by the companies to operate their business online. Without internet facility, it is impossible to reach international markets and introduce products to the international customers. At present, internet has become one of the extensively used technologies, which has made many business reach success in a very short span of time. Facebook, Twitter, and Groupon are some of the major examples of successful online firms (Beer, 2011). E-businesses are based on ideas. An e-business is successful if the idea behind that business makes people save their money (Quittner, 2009). How Well Does Internet Increase The Progress Of Businesses Online? Internet makes small businesses more profitable and efficient as compared to the small conventional style businesses. A company working in the ebusiness environment makes use of website to make people aware of the products and services offered by the company. A good website is very important for the success of an onl ine company because it is the main source of communication between the company and the customers. A website not only helps a company gain exposure in international markets but also attracts a large number of customers towards the products and services of the company. ... ot get much exposure to the outside world which results in decreased levels of productivity whereas online businesses operate in different parts of the world by making use of internet technologies resulting in many benefits, such as, attracting more customers towards the products and services of the company and increasing productivity and profitability of the company. In today’s world, a company can never gain competitive edge over its competitors with low levels of productivity and market share. Efficiency and productivity are the keys towards customer satisfaction and achievement of competitive advantage. Online businesses hold a large number of customers and market opportunities as compared to conventional businesses, which increase their chances of achieving competitive advantage in the markets where they operate their businesses. Exposure to multiple markets is one of main features of online businesses. Today, the world has become a global village where customers are very much comfortable with the use of internet and they can search for their desired products online instead of going to supermarkets physically. Another thing is that the customers look for their desired features in the products, which they look for. If they do not get their desired products from one company, they search for other companies online in order to find their desired products, which results in increasing the business of those companies, which have online presence. Therefore, we can say that online presence of a company results in increasing the productivity of the company. Increase in productivity is not only related to the number of customers of a company but also to the number of markets in which a company operates its businesses. Online companies can reach the customers more