Athletics and the Effect on Academics Essay Example for Free

Athletics and the Effect on Academics Essay The purpose of this research proposal is to determine if extracurricular activities such as sports has a positive or negative affect on junior high student’s academic achievement. I will discuss past research that has been conducted and their results as well articles written on the topic. I will also discuss my research method and how it will be implemented in order to see how previous research compares to my school. This research will be conducted with students in the 6th through the 8th grade. As a teacher and a coach I have wondered if there is any correlation between students academic success while they were part of a sports program. I know that as a former student-athlete in junior high and high school I was motivated to maintain a certain grade level in order to participate in any type of sport. I recently attended my son’s parent meeting for his freshman basketball team and learned that according to IHSA rules a student can fail two classes and still participate in their sport. That is a topic of discussion for another time but it did spark my curiosity to see if my students at the junior high level worked harder to stay eligible during their sport season and not so hard during their off –season. It should be stated that at my school a student has to maintain a 70% to participate and this is checked on a weekly basis. It would seem that ever since sports has become part of our schools environment there has been a debate about the effects of athletic participation on academic achievement. I believe now more than ever it has become a more relevant issue because of the budget restraints in our country’s schools. The school boards often find it easy to cut athletic programs because they do not see the value it has in the academic arena. It is important for our administrators to know these effects of athletics on academics before they would decide to cut or retain these athletic programs. This particular research proposal would focus on junior high students that are both male and female at J. W. Eater in Rantoul Illinois. Our demographics are about evenly split between both Caucasian and African American students, the African American student being slight higher, with a smaller percent of Hispanics. It should also be noted that there are a high number, close to 80%, of these students whose families fall below the poverty line; therefore there is a high number of kids that are on the free or reduced lunch plan. In addition to the research that will be conducted at Eater Junior High there will also be some information from other articles and studies that have been done in research journals. I feel these articles and studies will provide a clearer picture as to the positive effect of athletic participation and academic achievement. I found an article that supports the theory that athletic participation can help at-risk students and other students who have academic problems. Since we have several at-risk students because of our demographics in Rantoul this article seem to relate. In this article it states that educators believe that athletic participation reduces the chance of school dropout by approximately forty percent. It argues that extracurricular participation decreases this chance because it gives those at-risk students a chance to create positive connections to the school system. Involvement in these activities was perceived by educators to support these at-risk students by maintaining, enhancing and strengthening the student to school connection (Holloway, J. H. 2000). Although we don’t have the dropout problem as say our high school, athletics is a connection to the next level of education and can provide motivation to stay in school. A research article I found that involves using a questionnaire, as I intend to use with my research proposal, measures academic achievement between athletes and non-athletes on the 8th grade level (Stegman, M. Stephens, L. 2000). Both the athletes and the non-athletes were invited to participate and each was provided with a questionnaire. Both groups also gave the researchers permission to view their academic scores. They found that the results showed the students who participated in sports had the higher academic scores versus those who chose not to participate in sports. Although the sample size wasn’t that large the results tend to lean in favor of athletics enforcing academics. Another case I found was interesting in that it examined over 25,000 students along with their teachers and parents (Jordan, W. 1999). The research’s author, Will Jordan, shows how the results point out that African American students have a higher rate of academic achievement as a whole when they are in involved in extracurricular activities such as sports. The only draw back to this research is that it only involves African Americans, however Mr.  Jordon does note that previous research did show similar results for other races that were researched. The majority of its data is received from the National Educational Longitudinal Study, and this is used to measure the data against a system that is already in place to decide how effective extracurricular activities are to a student’s academic success. Another case that was conducted by Thomas Herbert centers on the study of 8 different student athletes that had been identified as gifted in junior high for 120 days (Herbert, T. 1995). As my own son was in the gifted program this was also an interesting study. By observing and using questionnaires, and looking at their academic scores, the conclusion Mr. Herbert came to was that they all had a strong academic record along with positive self-esteem. Mr. Herbert’s rationale is that they gained these positive attributes through their involvement in playing competitive sports. Just like in Mr. Jordon’s research, Mr. Herbert’s research also had limitations. In this case these students were from the inner city, therefore it would not be an accurate example of society as a whole or in comparison to J.  W. Eater. These are three research cases that weigh in favor of athletics helping promote academics. However in order to be able to conduct a research proposal that is fair you have to look at both sides and there are some articles that shows some negative correlations between academics and sports. One such article was written by Mr. Glenn Cook that is based on his prior experiences working with student athletes. Mr. Cook suggests that today’s society has placed more emphasis on athletics than they do academics (Cook, G. 2003). He feels because of this shift, students are not having the academic success they would otherwise had if athletics wasn’t involved. He feel that the students are not being pushed to achieve the most from their academics because they are being given a â€Å"pass† so to speak because of the time involved with their particular sport. A Mr. William Bainbridge writes a similar article taking the stance that athletics is hindering the academic part of school (Bainbridge, W. 2004). His point of view is that the culture is so enamored with the likes of athletes such as Kobe Bryant or Dwight Howard who skip college and go straight to the NBA. He feels this is a deterrent for the kid who wants to go to college and graduate. Although I see the points in both Mr. Cook and Mr. Bainbridge opinions, they are just that, an opinion. An actual research article that helps support their opinion was conducted by Ms. Leah Bucknavage and a Mr. Frank Worrell where their research shows a negative correlation between athletics and academics (Bucknavage, L. Worrell, F. 2005). The research indicated that some students who participated in an intramural sport actually showed a decline in academic achievement. It should be noted that a limitation to this research is that it is based on an intramural sport as opposed to a regular sports team that requires tryouts in order to make the team and participate which requires more time and commitment. Within the majority of research I found supporting the positive effects between athletics and academics, it could easily be argued that athletics helps promote academic achievement in students. Through my research proposal I would hope to find that my results held with the status quo. In my research proposal I will be using student questionnaires as this seems to a popular method used by other researcher into this topic. I would also be looking at the student’s grades in all subject areas pre and post their participation in their sport, along with their ISAT scores from when the started participating as early as the 6th grade through their 8th grade career. I would want to see, at the minimum, that their grades were passing and consistent over this period of time. I plan on looking at J. W. Eater junior high on a grade-by-grade level. The esearch will be done in the form of questionnaires for each grade that the students will have to fill out themselves. The survey instrument used in this research will be designed to determine whether or not the activities that junior high students choose have an effect on their academic achievement and will be based on a four point Likert-scale, with 1 meaning â€Å"I agree;† 2 meaning â€Å"I somewhat agree;† 3 meaning â€Å"I somewhat disagree;† and 4 meaning, â€Å"I disagree;†. A personal data sheet that also request demographic data will be included along with the survey. These demographic answers will be reported in percentages and charts. The questions in the non-demographic part of the survey will generally be about their attitudes towards school and learning in general. They will also be asked if they currently play, have played or plan on playing a sport in junior high. The questionnaire will see if there is a correlation between participating in athletics and their expectation of themselves. Because the questionnaire will have both convergent and divergent questions I will be able to get a better result as to the correlation of athletic participation and the self-expectations. Their current grades and ISAT scores will also be recorded. The goal is to compare the scores, both pre and post, and questionnaire results with those of the non-extracurricular participant and see if the data supports the hypothesis that athletics promotes academics. As a potential future administrator this is information that I would like to have access to in my potential school in order to determine the value of sports or extracurricular activities. Although I feel there is a positive correlation between sports and academics, I have to put the educational part of school first and foremost. If I were to see that the academic part of my students schooling is being affected by extracurricular activities then I would have to make adjustment to those activities. This could be done in cutting an activity altogether or creating other opportunities to help the student-athlete be successful. I think this project has reinforced my belief that if set up properly within the school environment, then there is a positive correlation between extracurricular activities and academics. I think its up to each administrator to do what is in the best interest for his or her school and students.

Should I Use an e-Business Broker When I Buy a Website? :: Sell Websites Buy Web Sites

Should I Use an e-Business Broker When I Buy a Website? Reprinted with permission of VotanWeb.com A website broker is similar to a real estate broker to the extent that they try to put buyers and sellers together. Instead of real estate being sold, they focus on websites. The criteria to become a website broker vary from state to state and their individual training, history, specialty and area of expertise are things that you must investigate. Some website brokers work independently while others work for a website brokerage company. Website Brokers work on commission and if you do not ultimately buy a business then any work that they have done for you is not compensated. If you hire a website broker, it is critical that you hire the right one. A website Broker may be able to provide you with access to websites that are available for sale that you would never be able to find on your own. They can narrow the search for you to websites that fit your criteria and they can help you avoid a lot of wasted time. The one thing that brokers cannot do is to find a website that is right for you. This is something that only you can do. Brokers clearly prefer to work with knowledgeable buyers and if they have to spend their time educating you then they cannot make money. They can be an effective tool for you to use if you can provide them with a clear mandate of what it is that you are looking to buy. Avoid generalities; explain your strengths, weaknesses and objectives and never mislead them. Ninety percent of the potential buyers that brokers work with never buy a business. While this is part of the risk involved in their chosen profession, this does not give you the right to waste their time. Accordingly, they may be somewhat hesitant when working with new clients until you demonstrate your sincerity and commitment to buying a website. There is no doubt that if you are a serious and educated buyer then a good broker will go above and beyond the call of duty to service your needs. Be respectful of their time and realize that they have to make a living. If at any time you decide to drop out of the hunt to buy a website then let them know immediately. Conversely, if you do not feel that they are extending their best efforts on your behalf then find another one.

Political Science link with English Essay

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to provide the reader a clear understanding on the political views on estrangement. This will further be discussed by comparing and also contrasting the different views of Aristotle and Hobbe. And how might each of these philosophers have analyzed the problems on Pitcairn Island. Political Science link with English It is very common to all of us that when we decide on something, we sometimes immediately knew what we would prefer or choice and then we decide from it. This is common in the sense that every one of us has our own personal judgment, even sometimes we have the same decision with others, but the reason why we have decided it is different from that person. But, there are still other people that just tend to follow decisions and would not anymore would want to expand his mind in thinking why he needs to decide ion such things, but in fact we all been given that luxury of making up our mind on the decisions we want to have. This is also part of the key areas that will be focus on in this paper the political vision of estrangement. This will be further be discussed and explained in this paper through the different views of two famous philosophers: Aristotle and Hobbe. These two well respected philosophers will provide their own views which will eventually the basis of what was used at in the present. Lastly, these two philosophers will also be presented in this paper on how they have analyzed the problem in the Pitcairn Island. Estrangement just like a choice or decision refers to disunity due to following of different ideology. In true human reflection, this usually happens in politics, where there is always disunity that is happening. One for the administration and the other is for the opposition, or it can also be divided into majority group and the minority group. Estrangement is very evident and was said to be beneficial in an organization because this is the only way that it strikes the balance. Balance that would help like for example the government through disagreements made by the different sector of government. Or public upheaval that was initiated due to certain idea and belief that no balance of attention is given to staffs or employees in a company instead what happened was favoritism and lack of respect to others. Estrangement actually may not be present to humans, only if we have leaders who will stand for peace and equal rights across all groups, but this remains to be an ideal vision only and still people tends to work his own liberated way of thinking and pursue on what he or she desires. Take for instance people that are successful, even though they succeeded in life they lack relationship and that starts for finding somebody to compensate the sadness. Then this results to separation from the main ideology of the family. For the English philosopher, Hobbe, estrangement has a lot to do with human life, in the sense that every man is against other man, there are no central government that overrules this ideology and man should not find luxury instead grief in keeping company. Life is such a state which was considered a famous political theory that man should know his state and act on it. For Hobbe, there are two main levels of estrangement: the first level and that refers to the surface is psychological, which means that humans are estranged because they have egos to feed in and this is because they always think that they have to preserved their lives more and always the most important one. The second one is prestige and wealth and this may not be possible to achieve without practicing power. This is the most common standard of human life that every one of us will do anything just to succeed in what we do. But this also creates a person to be more selfish and self-centered. (Adler, Ronald and Russell, Proctor II, 2006, pp. 23-27). For Aristotle, it was an opposing view of Hobbe, and he said that human beings are essentially united. As the founder of political science, he made this belief more popular these days than that of Hobee. That there are more progress and developments that can happen if people work together as one. He even considered during the emergence of the city-state in the Greece, he finds views that for humans not considering in the involvement of exchanging ideas and beliefs are only those who can classifies themselves either Gods or beast. He even strongly stated that regardless of your status in the society, like slave, laborers or artisans, you can still allow to unite with different groups since you also bear the same ideology and principle. This principle or belief was then been carried on for years and it was very beneficial in war as people can easily know the greater importance of unity instead of working individually. (Adler, Ronald and Russell, Proctor II, 2006, pp. 28-29). But the main focal point is that does human beings are estranged in essence. Based on the two philosophers, it is hard to mention what is more effective; instead it is more on the faith of the individual that counts the most. That is contrasting the two different ideology has its own personal purpose, humans should strike the balance. In other words both have its own main advantage provided it will be used appropriately. In the Pitcairn Island novel, it was obviously a cast of different personality at the beginning, most specially for Christian, who always finds it interesting working alone but still effectively contributing to the team. Unlike McCoy, Smith, John and Martin, preferred more to work as a team and having to work in a more focus but more collaborative way is essential. In this novel, following Aristotle’s ideology would be easier, it was shown here that even after a little uprising happens that divides the followers, still there are loyal followers that remains and still succeeded in reaching its goal in arriving to Pitcairn Island. Unlike for Hobbe’s ideology it can still be helpful but instead of addressing the team as one, what he will do is to work each and every member and that will take much of his time and the time for his team to coordinate at one another, even though a higher efficiency for each individual will be achieved but the team work will suffer and in that time that is more important as there was already an uprising that happens. This is truly a call for leadership and unity for the team in the ship. The only used for Hobbe’s principle is for its leader of the ship, which he needs to look more on how he can find and implement rules more effectively and from there is that to establish the principle of Aristotle’s unity in achieving the over-all vision of the team. (Nordhoff, Charles and Hall, James Norman. (Nordhoff, Charles and Hall, James Norman, 1962, pp. 3-71). Work Cited Page Adler, Ronald and Russell, Proctor II. Looking Out, Looking In., US: Wadsworth Publishing, 2006. Nordhoff, Charles and Hall, James Norman. Pitcairn Island., Boston, USA: Little, Brown, and Company, 1962. Work Cited Bassman, E. (1992). Abuse in the Workplace: Management Remedies and Bottom Line Impact. Westport, CT: Stourum Press, 1992.

Commonly Confused Words Tack and Tact

The words tack and tact sound similar, but their meanings are not the same. Definitions The verb tack means to attach, add, or change course. As a noun, tack refers to a small nail, the direction of a ship, or a course of action. The noun tact means diplomacy or skill in dealing with others. Examples She found a hammer in the utility closet and tried to  tack the poster  back up, but it was too torn. She threw it in the bin, cursing herself.(Richard Powers, The Echo Maker. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007)The commuter rails plan to tack on a $15 fee for ticket refunds, a sum that in most cases would be larger than the refund itself.Without consulting the menu, Irving said he would have oysters and steak au poivre, medium rare. He was squirming like a man with a  tack in his shoe.(Anna Quindlen, Rise and Shine. Random House, 2006)Building homes close to food sources isnt new. Back before  refrigerated trucks and sophisticated delivery systems, it was the norm. But modern housing design took a different  tack  as suburbs sprouted around cities.(Associated Press, Agrihoods Take Root. The New York Times, May 17, 2016)  Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.(Often attributed, without evidence, to Abraham Lincoln)In 1940, W.E.B. Du Bois rose to the podium and delivered the commencement address at Wilberforce University, where 46 years earlier he had assumed his first academic post.  Du Bois, never  known for his tact, announced himself to his audience as an open and frank critic of Wilberforce and, true to his word, then launched into an address that surely scorched his audiences ears.(Jonathon S. Kahn,  Divine Discontent. Oxford University Press, 2009) Idiom Alert The expression  sharp as a tack means very perceptive, quick-witted, or intelligent.Make a list of any items you’ve lost recently, or even months, or years ago. Think back to where and when you lost the item. Mentally, you’re as sharp as a tack; with a mind so clear you’re able to recall details you had long forgotten.(Larry Schwimmer, Hurray! Mercury Retrograde Is Over. Huffington Post, May 23, 2016) Practice (a) _____ is the art of making a point without making an enemy.(b) When your listener shakes her head or frowns in response to a point,  try a different _____, perhaps drawing on an anecdote or affirming your listeners response.(Ronald J. Waicukauski, et al., The Winning Argument. American Bar Association, 2001) Answers to Practice Exercises (a) Tact  is the art of making a point without making an enemy. (Isaac Newton)(b) When your listener shakes her head or frowns in response to a point,  try a different  tack, perhaps drawing on an anecdote or affirming your listeners response.(Ronald J. Waicukauski, et al.,  The Winning Argument. American Bar Association, 2001)