Over Representation of African American Students in the Special Education System. Essay Example for Free

Over Representation of African American Students in the Special Education System. Essay Introduction My current school has special education roster of 32 students in self contain with over 90% of the students being African-American. This paper will address the large number African-American students in the special education system. Attention will be focus on the social economic roles that play a part in placement. When done properly and in appropriate perspective, special education is beneficial for students with a real disability, but special education services are inappropriate when a student receives it when it is not needed. African-American students are being placed in the special education system at an alarming rate. They are being labeled with disabilities at ages as early as five years old, because they progress slower than the rest of the class, bias in assessment instrument, discrimination in society reflected in the school or they may present some behavior issue. Special education is appropriate placement for students with real disabilities, but minority blacks are being disproportionately place in special education. This unjust placement at early ages are causing these children to be stereotyped as slow learners causing low self esteem and low achievement rate during and after school. This is a major problem when addressing special education for African Americans. Many attempts have been made to solve the issues but there have been no satisfactory results. Theoretical Framework The disproportionate representation of African-Americans students in the special education system is well documented. This misrepresentation has been problematic since the inception of the special education program. This paper will probe the reasons many of these students have been categorized with various type of learning disabilities or emotional disturbances. These labels given to students have proven to be life altering to students given incorrect placement. Lawsuits have been filed charging that placements of high numbers of African American, especially male, in special education classes has been a tool for resisting court ordered desegregation (Harry and Anderson, 1992). In many instances there is a lack of or unwillingness to properly place African American students because of educators in some systems being culturally diverse. Secondly there is a lot of mistrust between educators and parents. Many parents don’t seek appropriate services or disagree with educational placement because they feel they will be see as ignorant or â€Å"talked down† to by teachers and administrators placing their children in special education. This paper will also discuss the long term effects that hinder students educational progress as well as there adult life. Once placed in many special education programs student may not be in line to receive a high school diploma. Many students have difficulties in the community getting jobs because employers feel they will be slower then there counterparts that received a regular education. This then snowballs into the child being placed in a lower social economic bracket because of the type of employment they will have to settle for in adulthood. African-American students are disproportionally placed in the special education system around the country. This misrepresentation is may be due to teacher ineffectiveness. Improving teachers’ capacity to provide culturally responsive instruction to African American students is like to improve student learning ability (Darling-Hammond, 2004). New teachers must meet a vigorous undergraduate program to become certified they continue to graduate enable to effectively teach African American students. Many exit program with a misconception of black students. They think that the African American students are not as smart as other races. The purpose of this study is to prove there is a misrepresentation of African American students in special education. I also plan to illustrate the problem of disproportionate representation of African American students in special education is not just a special education problem issue or concern but, instead, must be viewed in the context as it refers to racism in the whole educational system. I will discuss how racism contributes to and maintains disproportionality in special education by (a) insufficiently funding schools attended primarily by African American and poor children: (b) employing culturally inappropriate and unresponsive curriculum; (c) inadequately preparing educators to effectively teach African American learners and other students of color. I will show that to effectively address the problem of disproportionality, researchers, practitioners and  policymakers must place inequitable educational resource allocation, inappropriate curriculum and pedagogy and inadequate teacher preparation at the center of education research, policy, and practice. Significance of the Study There is much significance for this study. Being a special education teacher I have seen many students come to me because they were a behavioral problem during their elementary years. I believe it is our responsibility to find a solution to this growing problem. First, we as educators, we need to find out if this race of students are get misplaced in the educational system. These students not getting a proper education are causing a negative effect on their entire life. This causes this particular group to have to depend on state aid and weakens the workforce. Secondly, we need to find out if there is a problem with teacher preparedness. If this is a problem we need to figure out what can be done in state colleges and universities to solve these problems. Would adding a more ethically diverse curriculum better prepare teachers to educate African American students? The majority of the teachers coming out of college will be spending there first few years teaching intercity kids, with the majority being African Americans. Finally we need to educate or children to be reliable productive citizens. I feel that these children are not being given an equal shot at being productive if they are being thrown in the special education class in the back of the building. We already know there is a problem, now we need to work together to find a solution that will best benefit the students. Definition of Terms Disproportionate numbers: Having greater representation within a subgroup  compared to the number of students in the population as a whole. Some researchers use plus or minus 10% to determine proportionality (Harry Anderson, 1994). Discrimination The ability to make or perceive distinction; discernment. Partiality, or bias, in the treatment of a person or group, which is unfair, illegal, etc(Loren Orfield, 2002). It is my opinion that African American children are being placed in special Education because of biases unfair grouping. High Achieving: School-wide trajectory of API (if in California) and Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) growth over three years of all subgroups. There must also be a minimum movement of two deciles within 3-5 years. ] Special Education: Services and supports designed to minimize the impact of disability and maximize opportunity to grow and learn (Hehir, 2007). Limitation, Delimitation and Assumptions Limitations of Study The limitations of this study would be to find willing participates, because of the reasons I have discussed earlier parents will be willing to admit that their child was placed in special education because of a lack of knowledge on their part. Another limitation that will affect them outcome of this research is because I am directly employed in the parish that I have chosen to do research. This position will limit the effectiveness of my research because of student privacy and my position in the parish. It is also my opinion that school districts will not want to release information that could possible be used against them. As stated before I think students of color or being illegal classified as students with special needs and placed in special education. These are a few factors that could limit my study. Delimitations of the Study  External validity may be effected based on the number of student/parents being interviewed. Validate may be effected due to other minority races not being included in the study. Also the size and school locations may limit my ability to get adequate data to fully prove my hypothesis. The small sample population was feasible for my research rather then venturing out into larger areas. This is significant in that the findings may not be applicable to other schools. Assumptions of the Study References Artiles, A. J. (2003). Special education’s changing identity: Paradoxes and dilemmas in views of culture and space. Harvard Educational Review, 73, 164-202. Artiles, A. J. , Rueda, R. , Salazar, J. J. , Higareda, I. (2005). Within-group diversity in minority disproportionate representation: English language learners in urban school districts. Exceptional Children, 71, 283-300. Billingsley, B. (2004). Special education teachers’ retention and attrition: A critical analysis of the research literature. Remedial and Special Education, 25, 22-39. Blair, C. , Scott, K. G. (2002). Proportion of LD placements associated with low socio-economic status: Evidence for gradient. Journal of Special Education, 36, 14-22. Blanchett, W. J. , Mumford, V. , Beachum, F. (2005). Urban school failure and disproportionality in a post-Brown era. Remedial and Special Education, 26, 70-81. Chamberlain, S. P. (2005). Issues of overrepresentation and educational equity for culturally and linguistically diverse students. Intervention in School and Clinic, 41, 110-113. Countinho, M. J. , Oswald, D. P. , Best, A. M. (2002). The influence of sociodemographics and gender on the disproportionate identification of minority students as having learning disabilities. Remedial and Special Education, 23, 49-59. Coutinho, M. J. , Oswald, D. P. , Best, A. M. , Forness, S. R. (2002). Gender and sociodemographic factors and the disproportionate identification of culturally and linguistically diverse students with emotional disturbance. Behavioral Disorders, 27, 109-125. Eitle, T. M. (2002). Special education or racial segregation: Understanding variation in the representation of Black students in educable mentally handicapped programs. The Sociological Quarterly, 43(4), 575-605. Elhoweris, H. , Mutua, K. , Alsheikh, N. , Holloway, P.(2005). Effect of children’s ethnicity on teachers’ referral and recommendation decisions in gifted and talented programs. Remedial and Special Education, 26(1), 25-31. Ferri, B. A. , Connor, D. J. (2005). In the shadow of Brown: Special education and overrepresentation of students of color. Remedial and Special Education, 26, 93-100. Hosp, J. L. , Hosp, M. K. (2002). Behavior differences between African American and Caucasian students: Issues for assessment and intervention. Education and Treatment of Children, 24, 336-350. Hosp, J. L. , Reschly, D. J. (2002). Predictors of restrictiveness of placement of African American and Caucasian students. Exceptional Children, 14, 20-34. Hosp, J. L. , Reschly, D. J. (2003). Referral rates for intervention and assessment: A meta-analysis of racial differences. Journal of Special Education, 37, 67-81. Hosp, J. L. , Reschly, D. J. (2004). Disproportionate representation of minority students in special education: Academic, demographic and economic predictors. Exceptional Children, 70, 185-199. Kurlaender, M. , Yun, J. T. (2007). Measuring school racial composition and student outcomes in a multiracial society. American Journal of Education, 113, 213-235. Neal, L. V. , McCray, A. D. , Webb-Johnson, G. , Bridgest, S. T. (2003). The effects of African American movement styles on teachers’ perceptions and reactions. Journal of Special Education, 37, 49-57. O’Connor, C. (2002). Black women beating the odds from one generation to the next: How the changing dynamics of constraint and opportunity affect the process of educational resilience. American Educational Research Journal, 39, 855-903. Park, J. , Turnball, A. P. , Turnball, H. R. , III (2002). Impacts of poverty on quality of life in families of children with disabilities. Exceptional Children, 68, 151-170. Shealey, M. W. , Lue, M. S. , Brooks, M. , McCray, E. (2005). Examining the legacy of Brown: The impact on special education and teacher practice. Remedial and Special Education, 26, 113-121. Skiba, R. J. , Michael, R. S. , Nardo, A. C. , Peterson, R. L. (2002). The color of discipline: Sources of racial and gender disproportionality in school punishment. Urban Review, 34, 317-342. Skiba, R. J. , Poloni-Staudinger, L. , Gallini, S. , Simmons, A.B. , Feggins-Azziz, R. (2006). Disparate access: The disproportionality of African American students with disabilities across educational environments. Exceptional Children, 72, 411-424. Skiba, R. J. , Poloni-Staudinger, L. , Simmons, A. B. , Feggins-Azziz, L. R. , Chung, C. G. (2005). Unproven links: Can poverty explain ethnic disproportionality in special education? Journal of Special Education, 39, 130-144. Zhang, D. , Katsiyannis, A. (2002). Minority representation in special education: A persistent challenge. Remedial and Special Education, 21, 180-187.

Macbeth - Foreshadowing Using Animals :: essays research papers

Thesis Statement: Throughout the play of Macbeth, Shakespeare chooses to use animals to portray foreshadowing, to develop character and to evoke a wide variety of emotions from the audience. A) Dramatic Purpose #1 To Characterize to show the development of a person/character. helps the audience to understand the true personalities of characters (not what their portrayed to be to others). 1. a) "... Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear, / The arm'd rhinoceros, or the Hyrcan tiger; / Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves / Shall never tremble ..." (Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 123-125). Macbeth is speaking to Lady Macbeth about Banquo's ghost he says that if any of these fierce animals should come near him, he would never be scared. Macbeth doesn't want Banquo to be in any part of his life, that's why why he killed him. Now that he's come back as a ghost (he's trembling/scared that Banquo will never leave him alone) the use of these fierce creatures compared to Banquo shows that Macbeth may be regretting the murder of Banquo. Shows he's not as strong as he portrays himself to be, he's a coward inside, he can't face up to what he's done. b) "... As sparrows, eagles, or the hare, the lion." (Act 1, Scene 2, Line 39).the soldier is speaking of Macbeth and Banquo. just as an eagle easily defeats the sparrow or the lion easily defeats the hare, Macbeth and Banquo defeated their opponents. this is portraying one as an eagle and the other as a lion. either way, there was no competition between Macbeth and Banquo and their enemies. Shows the characters of Macbeth and Banquo and how fierce they really are. the lion and the eagle are fierce animals, whereas the sparrow and the hare are very weak. They can easily be killed. c) "I come, Graymalkin. Paddock calls; --anon." (Act 1, Scene 1, Lines 11-12). the witches companions, demons, are familiar spirits who are calling the witches. Graymalkin is a cat and Paddock is a toad. shows the witches are ones who believe in evil spirits, as most witches are portrayed as. shows they have foretelling knowledge - evil spirits, cats, they vanish. Shakespeare uses a cat as a spirit, as cats are significant to witches a toad portrays their ugliness, as described earlier. B) Dramatic Purpose #2 To Create Emotions to make the audience's sympathies lie where the dramatist wants them to lie.

Game design Essay

Introduction, my game concept is based around football and cars hence the name soccer cars. My game is targeted for both core and casual gamers as the game might be addictive to both groups of gamers rather than one. The concept will introduce a new experience to the gaming world, the basic idea for the game is to battle with cars whilst racing and trying to get to the finish line before your competitors with possession of the football. The gamer will need to use their strategic skills and mind games to defeat their opponent and forcing them off the track to gain an advantage and create opportunities they can use to win the game. The game will have different levels ranging from beginner to world class. The game will feature stages the gamer can unlock by winning racing and collecting coins along the way. The game is designed to be played on console to give the gamer a better experience and have better visuals on the game which is an advantage and they can also go online tom play against rivals from different places. Genre, the genre of my game will be a combination of two genres, to give the gamer the best of both worlds which will be sport genre and racing genre. Features, soccer cars will feature different cars to choose from, from high performance cars such as the Lamborghini and the Bugatti and will include different footballs to choose from such as the official world cup ball. My game will be 3D to give the gamer the feel of being in the game, it will be single player with the option to also play multiplayer. There would be audio and visual feedback to guide the gamer of what to do and where to go in order to win the race. There will be leader boards to show scores and show who is leading the ranks and also my game will the gamer to play their own music if they wish to and talk to their opponent online using a headset. Platform, the platform for my game will be console as it will be easier to play on a console as the gamer will take total control over the whole game and according to my research that I did gamers are likely to purchase games on console. Intended audience, as this is a new game my target audience will be between casual and simulation so that hard-core gamers will find a way to really enjoy the game, but also want to make sure to welcome newcomers to the racing/sports genre. It’s a game in that you have people who love racing and others who love sports hence the target audience will also include both male and female. It will also be targeted at console owners as this is the main platform for the game. Language, the language for the game will be English by default but if the gamer decides to change the language they can simply change it in the setting s to the language they prefer. Sound consideration, Core game mechanics Single/multiplayer, this game will have both single and multiplayer, this is because it will give the user a chance to challenge others and showcase their skills. The player will only be able to control their car so as to make the game fair and have a fair race between users. In single player situations the player can play against the computer car or if they wish they can race against the clock to see if they will make it to the finish line in time and set new records. In cases of multiplayer players can play online or offline the choice is theirs to make. General movement, the movement of the cars in the game are limited and the user can accelerate, brake, change gears, turn left and right and also can jump as there will be obstacle during the race. The movement made will be up to which buttons the user presses on the controller of the console. right1430683JUMP 00JUMP Control summary, These are the controls that are going to be used for this game and if the user does not feel comfortable with these they can switch them to their personal preference in the controller section in settings. Initial set up, when starting the game for the first time a video introducing the gamer to the game will 1 / 3 play, this will information about the game itself, what to expect and so on. After the video finishes the player will have a trial run to familiarize themselves with the game and the controls. After the trial run the user will be taken to the main menu where all the fun begins and they can personalise their profile including their car they start with and the game begins. Territories (environment), the environment of this game will be real life racing, I have done this so as to excite the user of the game. All the racing tracks and cars included are real life tracks and objects to enhance the excitement of the game itself and also as many of the users might be real life racing fans and will know the track well as they might have visited the track beforehand and give them a head start to their opponents. Health, Challenges, this game consists of many challenges which have to be completed by the user to win the race, these are, collecting coins along the way, finding the hidden coins for double points and lastly getting the ball to the finish line to win the race. Because there is also trial time race the user will have to race to the finish line within the time given or they will not complete the task. The user will also need an eye for details that would be shown on their screen as they might need to change gear, look at the map to see where things are or to see how far or behind they are from their opponent. The challenges will vary depending on what level the user is playing as they will be easier on beginner but will get harder as the levels go up all the way to world class. Scoring system, the scoring system will work when the user collects coins and every coin is worth X10 and when the player collects the double coins they will get twice as much but the bonus scoreis gi ven to the race winner, the runner up and third place position only and it will be classed as cash, the money will be given as followed. Position Points 1st 5000 2nd 2500 3rd 1500 Stage progression, depending on the type of race the player wants to play they can choose from career mode or just race if the player picks the career mode they will have to go through 5 levels which are: Beginner Amateur Semi-pro Professional World class After the player has completed all the levels and collected all the coins and unlocked all the tracks and cars they would have completed the career mode but can always play online against new competitor’s every time. 3042920124396500-313671127979000Covert adverts, just like in real life racing companies can advertise their businesses on the cars as shown below and also there will be billboards on which companies can also advertise themselves. This will be benefiting both ends the company and me. More adverts will be seen when the game is loading and these will more likely to be big companies such as Monster advertising their energy drinks. Covert advertisement will be seen during the whole race as the whole track will have logos of different companies with their posters and messages on them. 35476121330700Failure states trigger, my game will include failure states trigger. For certain races during the career mode if you fail to adhere with the task you will have to restart the race or if you wish to if you have passed any check points you can start from there although this will cost you coins to do. This mode does not work when playing â€Å"just race† mode it only works on career mode. left19973700. Win/lose screen statistics, win/lose statistics will be shown at the end of every race in visual 2 / 3 feedback the reason for this being that if the player wants to see all the information they will have all the time they need to do so. The information will be presented with the player’s name, how many coins they collected, penalties, total and will be in order from first to last with how much they have earned from the race. An example is shown on the left side. Flowchart Narrative/storyline Characters Main character, in this game the main character will be the player himself, they will be able to control their car and everything else surrounding them including car settings, audio settings and gameplay settings. The main character car will be a black ford mustang with monster covert advertisement, the car will include special features that the player can access by using their coins to purchase them. The character car will be the 3rd fastest car in the game after the Lamborghini and the Bugatti. In order to keep the car in top shape the player will have to service then car on a regular basis as if the car is not serviced it will not go as quick. The car will also have its own football and this will come as a package and if the player wishes to they can customise the car to their personal preference. This character car is based on the research I carried out on the best muscle cars for racing on track and will be the car to win the races. NPC, the NPC which is non-player character will be a ghost car also known as the computer player. This car will be racing the player and the player’s objectives will be to beat the NPC to the finish line only on single player and on some other races in career mode. If the player fails to do so they will have to restart the race till they beat they car to the finish line with the ball in possession and the NPC will also be able to disposes the player of the ball. Other objects, just like any other game there will be many different types of other objects and these may include, nitro on the track, tyres and spare parts for the cars and different footballs for the race. Other objects will be found all over the race and during the race as most of these will be random objects to make life harder for the player. POWERED BY TCPDF (WWW. TCPDF. ORG).

The Cause of Eating Disorders Essay - 591 Words

The Cause of Eating Disorders Although the causes are many and varied, we know that people with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming. For some, dieting, bingeing and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and a way to feel in control of ones life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a persons physical and emotional health, self-esteem and sense of competence and control. Psychological factors that can contribute to eating disorders include: Low self-esteem. Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life. Depression, anxiety, anger or loneliness. A quest for perfection.†¦show more content†¦Cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance, and not inner qualities and strengths. Scientists are still researching possible biochemical or biological causes of eating disorders. In some individuals with eating disorders, certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite and digestion have been found to be imbalanced. The exact meaning and implications of these imbalances remain under investigation. Eating disorders are complex conditions that can arise from a variety of potential causes: physical, emotional, social and familial issues. Once started, they can create a self-perpetuating cycle of physical and emotional destruction. All eating disorders require professional help. All causes need to be addressed for effective prevention and treatment. The earlier an eating disorder is discovered and addressed, the better the chance for recovery. The cultural context for eating disorders 1. Eating disorders are serious and complex problems. We need to be careful to avoid thinking of them in simplistic terms like, anorexia is just a plea for attention or bulimia is just an addiction to food. Eating disorders arise from a variety of physical, emotional, social and family issues, all of which need to be addressed for effective prevention andShow MoreRelatedCauses of Eating Disorders643 Words   |  3 PagesCauses of eating disorders. The things that are contributing greatly to the increase of eating disorders is the media. Many teenagers grow up being influenced by magazines, movies, and models and they think that the only way that society will accept them is if they look exactly like those people. They have the fear of becoming fat and being bullied. These kids are genuinely scared to grow up and have to face body changes. there is also the other part of these disorders. Not all people who have anRead MoreThe Causes of Eating Disorders 1295 Words   |  5 PagesEating disorders have been around for well over a century, and affect tons of people around your neighborhood, town, county, state, or even country that walk, talk, and act just like you. The two big dogs of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, which affect young boys and girls alike that cannot control their feelings when it comes to food. Some decide that food is not their thing, which is known as anorexia; and, some people have a love/hate relationship with food, better knownRead MoreCauses And Consequences Of Eating Disorders1608 Words   |  7 Pages The eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are psychological life threatening disorders that are becoming more common in today’s society. When an eating disorder is developed, the victim is not always aware of the oral consequences he or she will have to endure. This review of research indicates the risks and consequences associated with eating disorders and oral health. Introduction It is estimated that up to 24 million Americans suffer from serious eating disorders suchRead More Cause of Eating Disorders Essays877 Words   |  4 PagesCause of Eating Disorders In America, today we often hear of people who suffer from illness such as cancer, aids etc. what we often don’t hear about is the illness that effects a lot of people each year that being eating disorders. Whenever I hear about eating disorders it remains me of one of my cousin who had suffered from anorexia. It all started when her family and acquaintances started to say that she was fat and chubby. In her family everyone is very slim and tall so her brothersRead More The Causes of Eating Disorders Essay1994 Words   |  8 PagesThe Causes of Eating Disorders There is no single cause for eating disorders. A number of factors, including cultural and family pressures, chemical imbalances, and emotional and personality disorders collaborate to produce both anorexia and bulimia, although each disorder is determined by different combinations of these influences. Genetics may also play a small role. Between 40% to 96% of all eating-disordered patients experience depression and anxiety disorders; depression is also commonRead MoreCauses of Eating Disorders Eating disorders are several types of severe eating illnesses that700 Words   |  3 PagesCauses of Eating Disorders Eating disorders are several types of severe eating illnesses that cause people to maintain focus on only their diet and weight. Some prime examples of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating. Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder where people are so focused on their weight that they refuse to eat or eat as little as possible, bulimia nervosa is similar to anorexia except instead of eating so little people binge eat and then forceRead MoreCauses And Treatments Of Binge Eating Disorder922 Words   |  4 Pagessound fun to you? Life is difficult without having an eating disorder. Growing up eating everything I could get my hands on caused health problems for me now that I am older. Binge eating and anorexia are serious eating disorders that cause physical, behavioral, and psychological problems. The most common disorder is binge eating. Binge eating disorder (BED) is consuming large quantities of food in a short period of time. People find that over eating is a comfort zone for them. The problems AmericansRead MoreCause and Effect Essay on Eating Disorders1551 Words   |  7 PagesThe distinctions between eating disorders can be complex. While anorexia and bulimia may have some issues in common, other factors make them distinct. For parents, trying to understand the differences can be crucial. Early detection and proper treatment significantly improve the chances for a child to recover. Bulimia and anorexia are both very dangerous, and can be life threatening. Both are very common among teens and young adults. Eating disorders are becoming more familiar for this generationRead MoreThe Causes Of Eating Disorders In College Women1444 Words   |  6 PagesEating Disorders in College Women Bingeing. Purging. Calorie counting. Excessive exercising. These are actions that are most commonly associated with eating disorders, which are psychological conditions affecting an individual’s eating habits. Though these conditions can appear in any age or gender group, they tend to be most prevalent in adolescent women. A large population of these young women happen to be college students dealing with problems such as body image issues, food insecurity, andRead MoreEating Disorders Looking Mainly At Their Causes1387 Words   |  6 PagesFor this paper, I chose to focus on eating disorders looking mainly at their causes. Based on personal experience, I feel that these disorders are stereotyped very heavily in our society, and that public awareness of their causes lacking. Growing up I was always very thin, due to a high metabolism and a small bone structure; traits which ran in my family. Many times, people would make fun of me and even call me anorexic. However, I was no t anorexic or bulimic, I was just a thin child, and am still