School Safety Essay Example for Free

School Safety Essay In the last decade, school violence cases have drastically increased. Between 1997 and 1999, there was a rash of school shootings, the most notable occurring at West Paducah, Jonesboro, and Columbine. These examples are just a few instances in the long list of tragedy that occurs in the school setting. There is a broad spectrum of school violence and misconduct that keep school officials on alert: handbook violations, drug use, harassment, bullying, fighting and school shootings. With school violence on the increase, administrators are forced to re-evaluate school policies to ensure safety and security for the students and staff members. The National Education Association (NEA) supports policies developed by states, districts and schools to effectively address bullying and harassment that lead to school violence (NEA, 2002-2010). Although some officials feel that a zero-tolerance stance is the most effective means to combating bullying and harassment in the school setting, the NEA takes the position of educating school officials, parents, community members, and students on the effects of bullying and harassment. In an attempt to reduce bullying and harassment, the NEA works to promote school safety by presenting strategies to â€Å"reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment; expand access to counseling, anger management and peer mediation; provide ways for students to communicate with adults about rumors and threats; and develop instruction that teaches values like respect and responsibility† (NEA, 2002-2010). The school environment is one of the safest environments for children today. Students should feel comfortable coming to school and should be allowed to learn in an environment free for intimidation and fear. The NEA agrees with this statement and supports legislation requiring states, districts, and schools to adopt plans to prevent and respond to bullying and harassment incidents. References NEA. (2002-2010). School safety. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/16364.htm

John Stuart Mills Ethical Theory Of Utilitarianism Philosophy Essay

John Stuart Mills Ethical Theory Of Utilitarianism Philosophy Essay John Stuart Mill believed in an ethical theory known as utilitarianism and his theory is based on the principle of giving the greatest happiness to greatest number of people, Mill support the pursuit of happiness. On the other hand, Kant who believed in an ethical theory known as Deontologist and he believes that only principle of actions matter and moral decisions should be made based on one duties and right of others. Utilitarianism believes the morally right actions are those actions that maximize the pleasure and minimize the pain. Utilitarianism thinks the consequence of an action justifies the moral acceptability of means taken to reach that end and the result of actions outweigh any other considerations. In other words, they believe that end justifies the means. Utilitarianism believes an action is morally right if it results in pleasure; whereas it is wrong if it gives rise to pain. Utilitarianism believes sacrificing one man to save thousands is okay because you maximize the happiness of whole community or the world. For utilitarianism consequences of actions matter, so right action maximize the amount of happiness. Utilitarianism does not consider personal relationship. For instance, there is fire and in this fire there is your son and a person who can cure cancer who will burn to the death, utilitarianism will say save the person who can cure the cancer because he will save all patients who have cancer and it will maximize the happiness in the world. According to utilitarianism, it is out duty to help people without worrying about consequences, for example, Mills thinks we should do charities as much as we can without having affected or damage on ourselves because giving charity will give maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Millà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ethical view links happiness with morality because it makes sense with common beliefs about morality for example utilitarianism backs up murder is wrong. There are few act that are not good according to utilitarianism such as selfless act, for instance beating up wife gives pleasure to men where wife is selfless so this act is not morally right and good for utilitarianism. Sometimes utilitarianism require us to commit morally reprehensible acts for instance, there is a terrorist who has a nuclear weapon aimed at your city and at the same time you have access to the child of insane terrorist, you can torture the child so you can get the terrorist to stop his action. In situation like this, utilitarianism might say to torture the child so you can save the whole city even though it is not morally right to torture small child. I think the major problem with utilitarianism in defining ethics as either happiness or pleasure is that happiness is a moral duty and it is not morality in and of itself. While pleasure is not a moral duty but rather a biological command to seek that which pleasure us, for example drugs, sex, music can give us pleasure but they have nothing to do with morality or ethics. On the other hand, Kant believed in an ethical theory known as Deontology; that focus on the concept of duty rather than on any concept of right or wrong. His theory emphasize on the type of action rather than consequences of that action. Kant believes that moral decisions should be based on one duties and right of others and we should act morally regardless of consequences and act is considered moral if it is done for the sake of duty. For instance, a homeless man with brain damage in accident is brought to hospital and doctor realize that he does not have any families but deontologist will save man life as it is his duty to treat a patients. Utilitarianism might say let man die and use his organ to save as many people as possible to maximize the happiness of the world. However, according to deontologist allowing the man to die would not make that decision justify. Kant believe that well being of each person should be an end to in itself and we should never treat someone as simple a means but always as a means to an end. According to Kant, moral rules are commands and it is demanded by reason and free person acts on reason and does not pay attention to influences that are nor rational. For example, there should not be any exception to moral rules or laws, therefore, it is wrong to kill people in all situations even in self defense that apply to everyone in every situation. Kant believes that consequences do not matter because act of our consequences are not always in our control and things do not turn out, as we want. However, we can control our motives and the motives to what is right gives an act its moral worth. Kant believes we should use our morals as a guide when making decisions, for instance, there are four patients in the hospital that needs different organ to survive, and a regular person comes to the hospital for regular check up. According to utilitarianism, it is better to sacrifice one man to save others because it will maximize the happiness but deontologist will say it is immoral to kill an innocent person to maximize the happiness and we should not use person as a tool. Another difference between these two theories in situation like lie, Kant believes we should not lie in any circumstances because it is morally wrong and to lie it will make a person a means to an end which is not good. However, utilitarianism will say that it is okay t o lie if it maximizes the happiness.

Comparing and Contrasting the Sublime Essay -- Williams Shelley Trave

Comparing and Contrasting the Sublime What can be said about the sublime? Class discussion led to the definition of sublime as the element found in travel literature that is unexplainable. It is that part of travel literature where the writer is in awe of his or her surroundings, where nature can be dangerous or where nature reminds a human being of their mortality. The term "sublime" has been applied to travel texts studied in class and it is hard not to compare the sublime from texts earlier in the term to the texts in the later part of the term. Two texts that can be compared in terms of the sublime are A Tour in Switzerland by Helen Williams and History of a Six Weeks' Tour by Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley. There are similarities and differences found in both texts concerning individual perspectives of travel and the sublime. The main focus of this commentary will be comparing and contrasting the perspectives of Williams and Shelley within their respective texts, the language of the sublime and the descriptio ns of the sublime. Both Shelley and Williams write from a personal perspective. Both travel to and make observations on the area that interests them. Williams travels to Switzerland while Shelley travels through Geneva to Chamonix. In the introduction of Williams's text she immediately reveals the reason why she wishes to visit Switzerland while Shelley assumes that the reader recognizes that he is a traveler who wants to go from point A to point B. Williams's introduction reveals that she has already dreamed about what it would be like to visit Switzerland and she shares with her readers that 'I am going to gaze upon images of nature; images of which the idea has so often swelled my imagination, but whic... ...ering more leeway to understanding the sublime. On a more personal note, comparing how Williams and Shelley write about the sublime has made the idea more clear in my mind on how to approach readings that contain the sublime, it is much easier to understand and furthermore, it offers more than one way of looking for and at the sublime. Works cited Extracts from: "The Shelleys at Chamonix:1816." Mary Shelley and P. B. Shelley History of a Six Weeks' Tour. London: T. Hookham, 1817. Romanticism: The CD-ROM. Ed. By David Miall and Duncan Wu. Blackwell Publishers Ltd., 1997. Williams, Helen Maria. A Tour in Switzerland; or, A view of the present state of the Government and Manners of those Cantons: with comparative sketches of the present state of Paris. 2 Vols. London: G. G. and J. Robinson, 1798. http://www.ualberta.ca/~dmiall/Travel/Coxe-Williams.htm.

Down Syndrome Essays -- essays research papers

Sometimes when meiosis ( the division of reproductive cells ) occurs, chromosomes may be lost, left behind, or too many may be passed on, resulting in the birth of a child with a genetic or congenital defect or disease. One of the most common of these genetic disorders is Down syndrome. This disorder takes its name from Dr. Langdon Down, who was the first to describe it formally, in 1866. Down syndrome is a condition marked by abnormal physical and mental development that is caused by a genetic defect. This genetic defect is caused by an extra chromosome. People born with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes compared to the normal amount of 46, 23 chromosomes inherited from each parent. This extra chromosome originates more often in the mother's egg than the father's sperm. Chromosomes are individual, large DNA molecules in a cell nucleus. They contain the genes along with structures that hold the DNA and aid it in expressing heredity by orchestrating cellular operations. Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities, occurring in about 1 out of 800 births. However, the frequency of the disorder varies greatly according to the age of the mother. For women in their twenties the rate is 1 in 2,000 but it rises steeply to 1 in 100 by the time a woman reaches 40. Down syndrome is usually recognized soon after birth because of characteristic facial features such as a flattened nose, upward slanting of the eyes, a large tongue that often protrudes from a smal... Down Syndrome Essays -- essays research papers Sometimes when meiosis ( the division of reproductive cells ) occurs, chromosomes may be lost, left behind, or too many may be passed on, resulting in the birth of a child with a genetic or congenital defect or disease. One of the most common of these genetic disorders is Down syndrome. This disorder takes its name from Dr. Langdon Down, who was the first to describe it formally, in 1866. Down syndrome is a condition marked by abnormal physical and mental development that is caused by a genetic defect. This genetic defect is caused by an extra chromosome. People born with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes compared to the normal amount of 46, 23 chromosomes inherited from each parent. This extra chromosome originates more often in the mother's egg than the father's sperm. Chromosomes are individual, large DNA molecules in a cell nucleus. They contain the genes along with structures that hold the DNA and aid it in expressing heredity by orchestrating cellular operations. Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities, occurring in about 1 out of 800 births. However, the frequency of the disorder varies greatly according to the age of the mother. For women in their twenties the rate is 1 in 2,000 but it rises steeply to 1 in 100 by the time a woman reaches 40. Down syndrome is usually recognized soon after birth because of characteristic facial features such as a flattened nose, upward slanting of the eyes, a large tongue that often protrudes from a smal...

The Power of Personal Goals Essay -- Personal Narrative, informative e

The life of a student-athlete entails much sacrifice and plenty of restless days. Whether frantically finishing homework following an all-day competition or dreading to begin a project as injuries are tended to, such a lifestyle is not suitable for the fainthearted. In realizing the amounts of work that is demanded of the student-athlete, one can indubitably feel overwhelmed. However, levels of preoccupation and tension lessen considerably when organization guides the daily course of action. Implementing a set of long-range goals, in any realm from academics to athletics, is essential to attaining success. In setting educational goals to be reached, I strove diligently to achieve those high standards and, eventually, realized them. As a young, elementary school kid, I wanted to grow up to be any one of three things: fireman, doctor, or professional athlete. If the day was unbearably warm, as it usually was during the non-winter months in the Los Angeles Basin, I thought being a heroic firefighter would be a great occupation. If recess involved a cut from a fall onto the blacktop or a scrape from a viciously thrown dodgeball, the image of helping others physically surfaced into my mind. During the football season, boyhood dreams of playing in the National Football League were envisioned. Yet, as I matured, I realized that vacillating between playful whims would inevitably result in boredom. I began to understand that my decisions needed more substantial reasons and purposes. I had to formulate concrete ideas that had an objective to be reached in the long run. As I reached the junior high years, there were circumstances that I had yet to experience. I was accustomed to having my basic needs met by parents, i.e. food, clothi... ... test and tedious assignment by reminding myself what the cause was. When the clamor of the alarm woke me to the new day, my motivation to trudge out of bed was the opportunity to work toward my goal. Knowing that the reward was head, the drive to obtain it did not allow for obstacles to halt my journey. During the process of receiving an education, the daily routine of attending class can be a deterrent to keep one from becoming successful. There will inevitably be times of stress, and the desire to quit will arise. Unless the aim is deemed worthy enough, the necessary sacrifices will not be made. Therefore, one needs a substantial end to be sought so that the difficulties will be met and surmounted. Set an objective to seek and seek it without reservation. I was able to realize my dream of being educated at State University by placing it as the loftiest goal.

What Can We Do to Stop Abuse Animals.

Recently animal abuse is increasing around the world. People are treating animal as non – feeling creatures. They use them for food, clothing, entertainment, and so on. These are some of the biggest crimes humans are doing against speechless creatures. There are many ways to prevent animal abuse but the most importantly everybody should treat animals with respect. First of all, we have to make authorities aware of the fact that animals are being ill-treated by people when you witness them. Laws will make these people realize their mistake. For example, there was a Singaporean who broke his dog’s legs, just because his dog has eaten his food. One of his neighbors who saw this reported to police. After that this man had to pay $500 for his action. Other examples in Vietnam people hunt elephant for stuck or cows for food. Secondly, recently on some websites appear more videos of animal abuse on the part of young people. This has proven they do not respect and love animals. We should teach them how to treat animals. Especially with a children, you have to teach children how to treat animal with kindness and respect and considers them as friend. Thirdly, always comply with the laws about animals in your local area. And tell everyone to do it. For example, The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Singapore always takes care of animals, which are neglect and abuse. In conclusion, people should learn more about animal. They are like humans and they need love and care. We have to respect animal.

A Room with a View and a Room of One’s Own: Similarities in Anti-Victorian Themes

In reading â€Å"A Room with a View† and â€Å"A Room of One’s Own† I find that the two novels show similarities in their anti-Victorian themes. The conformity of the Victorian era is a concept of the past in these novels; both plots showcase a woman’s growth mentally and emotionally. In Victorian times women thinking freely or having goals was frowned upon, making any form of female growth go completely against the brain. Feminist themes and ideas are brought up throughout the text.The main characters of the two novels depict the early signs of the â€Å"new woman.† In â€Å"A Room with a View† Lucy goes through a maturation process where she finds her passionate qualities that have been repressed her whole life. â€Å"The following morning she realizes that: â€Å"It was pleasant to wake up in Florence, to open the eyes upon a bright bare room†¦ with a painted ceiling whereon pink griffins and blue amorini sport in a forest of yellow violins and bassoons.† Lucy’s poetic voice shows the reader that she is in tune with nature. George opens her mind to the concept of art for art sake, by teaching her to just appreciate the everyday nuances of life. The text shows Lucy’s journey from being raised to conform to becoming a free spirit ready to take on life and nature with a new zest.â€Å"A Room of One’s Own† shows the growth of a woman by depicting her climb from social futility. There is a theme of discrimination, through the denial of wealth to women throughout the book. When the narrator goes to the college dinner she notes that â€Å"the women eat a very plain and dull dinner while the men are served a rich and sumptuous lunch.† Women were treated like second-class citizens; this leads her to â€Å"scorn the poverty of her sex.†Her mentality is soon changed upon receiving her inheritance. Instead of living a life where only a few odd jobs were available to women or being a housewife, she is free to pursue the life she wants. This separates her from most women who at that time, were busy with either a low paying job or a family. She now has time to think. â€Å"One cannot think well or dine well without money.† Her view on life completely changes â€Å" I need not hate any man; he cannot hurt me. I need not flatter any man; he has nothing to give me.† She has achieved independence not common to women of the time.