Alycia Burt

Writ 101

MichelleBrown

September18, 2011



Why are publicschools better than private schools?

This startedout as me wanted to be a school teacher and going to school for elementaryeducation but what would be so much better about teaching at a private schoolinstead of a public school. I have always went to a public school myself andseemed to turn out just fine, who wants to go and spend around “17,441 whichwas the average of private schools in 2009 in the United States” (Great schoolsINC). Why would someone pay that much money to go to school when they could gofor free? This is a question I ask myself a lot. Though some people wouldprobably think I’m crazy for spending $125 on a pair of jeans. So am I being ahypocrite for how they want to spend their money?

Whileresearching public and private schools I have learned that private schools arenot as excepting as you would think they would be. “Public schools are requiredto take any child and provide them with the necessary programs that they needeven if it is special ed. While private schools may deny any kid to theirproblem due to their special needs.” (Great schools INC). Every kid learns at adifferent pace and some need more help than others and that just isn’t rightthat they are able to do that. Public schools offer a wide variety of kids andfriends, that is not narrowed down be mental ability or anything.

It’sstriking to me that people would pay all this money to go and get the sameeducation that they could get for free. There are so many more advantages“Public schools provide transportation to and from school for children who livein the school district” (Education bug). This transportation can be a big helpfor parents trying to work and get their kids to and from school. Many of usknow how bad the economy is right now and a lot of people can’t afford thatextra expense in these times right now. If you cannot afford to send yourchildren to private schools does it mean that they are not getting as good ofan education? “A large scale government financed study has concluded thatstudents in regular public schools do as well or significantly better in maththan comparable students in private schools.”(Teresa Mendez). Public schoolsare obviously showing that they can be just as good, or even better thanprivate schools. You do not have to pay all the money and you are stillproviding a good education for your child. Though in private schools the classsize does tend to be lower and normally gives the children more one on one timepublic school teachers have always been very will to help me and meet up withme anytime I have ever needed help, it has never been an issue.

I personallydo not believe that private schools are better than public schools. I haveattended public schools my whole life and have always love it and am notplanning on hopefully becoming a teacher at a public school. If public schoolswere that bad the government would not be helping that and setting up theguidelines that need to be reached each year. Why would so many people attendpublic schools if they were that bad? They wouldn’t I feel blessed to havegotten to attend the public school that I did and meet all the friends that I have.We can’t expect everyone to believe that spending 17,000 for your educationrather than nothing would be better or even remotely close but it truly isbetter.



Work Cited

GreatSchools, Joining. "Private vs.Public Schools - Defining Your Ideal School GreatSchools." GreatSchools- Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community. 2011. Web.19 Sept. 2011..

"Advantagesof Public Schools - Education Bug." Education Bug - Articles, Public &Private Schools, Colleges. 2011. Web. 19 Sept. 2011..

Mendez,Teresa. "Public v. Private Schools ProjectAppleseed." ParentalInvolvement & Engagement In Public Schools Project Appleseed in Education.USA Today, 2005. Web. 19 Sept. 2011. .

The Right to Die.

The Right to Die.

Growing up, some of my first memories of my life are sitting in the hospital, waiting for my grandfather to pass away from a terminal disease. Cancer took his life when I was not even two years old. The right to die, assisted suicide, euthanasia, no matter how you change the name, it’s a topic that we all have heard about. I believe that everyone should have a choice when they are so sick that life is unbearable for them to live. Families that sit in hospitals and watch their loves ones suffer and know that they cannot do anything to deter their pain. And the money spent to keep their loved ones alive, even when they cannot afford it. And when people ask me why I want to be a doctor I reply, “Because I like to help people.”

Assisted suicide its legal in three states, Oregon, Washington, and Montana, coincidently the three states that I’ve lived and grown up in. Some people wonder, why would someone want help with killing him or herself when suicide and attempt of suicide is decriminalized (Marker)? The most used reason for assisted suicide, in relief from a chronic illness. Cancer being the number one reason for assisted suicide. (Ertelt) The laws surrounding assisted suicide are very strict, and like many laws here in the United States in has a checks and balance system. The current system in Montana makes sure no one that gains anything more then the fact that their love ones have passed with no pain, benefits from the procedure. Because we do have things like a power of attorney, and if they in any way get anything from their loved one passing, such as money or estate they cannot make the decision for assisted suicide.

Many people wonder who would want an assisted suicide? Statistics in Oregon in the year of 2010 say that 59 reports of death by lethal prescription, bur 96 people were prescribed the drugs, and 20 people of the 96 dies from their underlying disease . 70.8 percent of people that have been a patient of the assisted suicide program have been over the age of 65(Ertelt).

There are many people out there that believe that assisted suicide is just an easy way out for the patient, when in reality they are not the suffering patient themself. People argue about how assisted suicide “demeans the value of human life” other people say that it “violate doctors' Hippocratic oath,” both points make a valid argument. But there are counter arguments to both these statements. The value of a human life, is seen through the beholder, and now known as the “other pro-choice” people want a say, in life and in death. And when people argue about the Hippocratic oath, doctors take the Hippocratic oath worldwide; it has been the basis for medicine since Greek times. The Hippocratic oath states that no one shall kill anyone via lethal drugs, it also states that you shall never cut into a person (surgery) or abort someone’s child. Both practices used nation, and worldwide. (“Definition…”)

Works Cited

Marker, Rita L and Hamlon, Kathi. “Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: Frequently Asked Questions.” http://www.patientsrightscouncil.org. Patients Right Council, 1 Jan. 2010. Web. 18 Sept 2011.

Ertelt, Steven. “Oregon Report Shows Assisted Suicide Deaths Increase Again.” lifenews.com. lifenews.com, 26 Jan. 2011. Web. 18 Sept 2011.

“Definition of Hippocratic Oath.” MedicineNet.com. Medicine Net Inc., 27 April, 2011. Web. 18 Sept 2011.

How are children affected by air pollution?

How are children affected by air
pollution?

Kimberlee Kidder

I have always wanted to help children, for a long time I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician so I could do just that. Over the past year or so I realize being a doctor isn’t for me but I still have a passion to help children. When first trying to come up with a topic, I thought I would just find out what air pollution did to the human body but as I began researching that I found out that “Children, especially those under 8 years of age, are at greater risk from outdoor air pollution due to lung development and function.” (Tumer-Henson) So I decided to use my passion to help children drive the research.

Before I began researching the topic I had only a little bit of back knowledge on it. I knew asthma in children and adults worsened from exposure to smoke. I only knew about a hand full of air pollutants like ozone and carbon dioxide, but I felt like there had to be much more information on the subject. I wanted to know what kinds of things are labeled air pollutants? And how they harmed children’s bodies?

As I began researching, I found out that asthma isn’t the only disease affected by air pollution. According to David Bates “Air pollutants have been documented to be associated with a wide variety of adverse health impacts in children. These include increases in mortality in very severe episodes; an increased risk of perineonatal mortality in regions of higher pollution, and an increased general rate of mortality in children; increased acute respiratory disease morbidity; aggravation of asthma, as shown by increased hospital emergency visits or admissions as well as in longitudinal panel studies; increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms in children, and infectious episodes of longer duration; lowered lung function in children when pollutants increase.” I never expected there would be so many ways a child could be affected by air pollution. I also found out there are tons of different kinds of pollutants that can cause these issues in children. Ozone, nitrogen dioxide, lead and sulfur dioxide are the main pollutants that are harming children. (Tumer-Henson)

After finding out how air pollution is affecting children, I wanted to know: Where are the pollutants coming from? And how do we help stop or prevent further pollution? What can be done to help stop
or prevent it? Most people know their car exhaust has air pollutants in it but they aren’t going to stop driving their cars to work and take the bus just because “the main source of CO (carbon monoxide) is motor vehicle exhaust” (Tumer-Henson). However I think if people know by cutting back on the amount they drive their car could help the pollution of the air maybe some would, I know I will.

I don’t think the world can change overnight and stop releases pollutants into the air but like I found out in Henson’s article “Although the limits are set for the entire country, the law allows individual states to set stronger standards” and “during any review process, public comment is encouraged.” I for one never knew that. I bet there are other people out there that don’t know that either. I think part of the problem is people haven’t been educated in the ways children are affected by air pollution. Small changes now can help save children from having to suffer from asthma, other respiratory problems and in some cases death. The children of today are our future. We need them healthy and safe so they can make a difference later in their live.

Work cited

Tumer-Henson, Anne, Kannika Ruangdej, Wiparat Suwanwaiphatthana. “Outdoor Air
Pollution and Children’s Health” Pediatric Nursing 36 (2010)

Bates, David. “The Effects of Air Pollution on Children” Environmental Health Perspectives 103 (1995)

What are the Benefits of Learning a Second Language

I'm often asked what I plan to do with a foreign language major. Usually people assume I want become a translator or even a teacher, but neither of these are my reason for deciding to major in Russian. For me studying a second language has greatly altered my perception of other countries and it has even made me question the way I view my own country. Learning a language opens a window into another region of the world, helping understand the history, culture, and politics of a particular country. Language can be seen as the basic instrument we use to connect with one another, to our communities, and even to our entire nation (Berman).

It's true that being bilingual or multilingual can help in many areas of life including career, academic, and even social settings. A second language might significantly boost a job applicant's resume, but that's just the beginning of its widespread benefits. Studies have shown that, " foreign language learners consistently out perform control groups in core subject ares on standardized tests" (Armstrong & Rogers). The benefits aren't solely related to vocabulary and speech but all other academic areas such as, mathematics, science, writing, and reading.

If the benefits of learning a second language are so broad and far reaching, why isn't foreign language study a more integral part of elementary, high school, and college curriculum across the Nation? This is where my interest began to deviate from my original question, " What are the Benefits of Learning a Second Language", to understanding why language study has been put on the back burner in American schools. Why isn't language study considered an essential part or a "core" academic subject area (Peckham)? Language acquisition is just as vital to overall education as math and science classes, and may be considered even more important in our ever globalizing world.

The United States was founded upon the idea of bringing people of all countries and backgrounds together to form a single unified nation. And English acted as the major unifying factor, but even now when the number of immigrants in the United states is at its highest point, only about 15% of citizens speak a second language. If U.S. students wish to compete in the global job market after graduation they are likely at a disadvantage to the European Union. This 15 country union has promoted language study and nearly 50% of it's citizens are bilingual (Dulfano & Kwan). How can we truly call ourselves a global society if we refuse to learn the languages and cultures of the rest of the world? If the United States wishes to remain a major player in the globalized world, foreign language study needs to become a fundamental part of education at all levels.

Armstrong, P.W. and J.D. Rogers. (1997). Basic Skills Revisited: The Effects of Foreign

Language Instruction on Reading, Math and Language Arts.” Learning Languages,

Spring. 20-31.

Berman, Russel. "Foreign Language for Foreign Policy?." insidehighered.com. N.p., 28/11/2010. Web. 18 Sep 2011. <http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2010/11/23/berman>.

Dulfano, Isabel, and Jill Kwan. "FLAME-Foreign Language Alternative Mastery Example: The FLAME Approach in Its Evolution." Hispania. 90.1 (2007): 123-30. Print.

Peckham, Robert. "Getting Down to the Core with Foreign Language Advocacy."Language Journal. 61.2 (2010): 7-9. Print.

Why should we preserve and protect archaeological sites and artifacts?

Paul Buckner

Writ 101

Michelle Brown

9/18/11

Why should we preserve and protect archaeological sites and artifacts?

In this modern world one of the most dangerous problems we face is not the danger of economic collapse or environmental disaster but the loss of our cultural heritage. Our cultural heritage defines who we are today and who we will become; to let it be destroyed would be a travesty unequaled throughout human history. Unfortunately, this destruction of our past is progressing at the very moment I am writing this. Throughout the world archaeological sites and artifacts are being destroyed by neglect, in the name of progress, and most often, greed. Not even developed countries are safe, over the last five years Italian authorities were able to seize over 120,000 antiquities before they left the country but despite their efforts over 100,000 tombs in the southern Apulian region have been devastated (‘Illicit Antiquities’). Although in its self is a great tragedy it is relatively commonplace around the world. For example, in poverty stricken nation of Belize, “73 percent of major sites [have been] looted” (‘Illicit Antiquities’), and in nearby Guatemala thieves have become so brazen they, “…they even looted from the laboratory at Tikal.”(‘Illicit Antiquities’). It is clear that something must be down about this growing problem before it is too late and the wonders of our past are lost forever.

This topic is very important to me and I care about resolving this crisis very deeply.  I vividly remember the near floating feeling I felt as a young boy touring the famous cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde and the temples of Tulum. From the largest pyramids to the smallest arrowheads the objects of the past gave me a tingling sensation that reached my very core as I considered the history of each artifact. This intense and almost unreal feeling of amazement inspired me to pursue a career in archaeology and helped shape who I am today. However, my passion for the past and for archaeology is trumped by my desire for future generations to experience the same unexplainable feelings of wonder and awe while gazing upon the monuments left behind by our ancestors.

For my goal to become a reality we must act fast. Already more and more sites are becoming endangered and threatened. In Egypt floods are damaging tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the oldest freestanding mud brick structure in the world is on the verge of collapse due to neglect (Wiseman). Although nature is contributing to the crisis it no match for the human trait of greed as evidenced by the fact that, “… in southwest Niger between 50 and 90 per cent of sites have been destroyed by looters” (‘Illicit Antiquities’).

This is clearly a problem that must be addressed; the statistics can only tell us so much about the problem. The fact is that archaeological sites around the world are being destroyed and too little too late is being done to stop it. Not only is the feeling of wonder I felt being stolen from future generations but vast reserves of knowledge are being lost once sites are destroyed and archaeologists are unable to study them.

Works Cited

Brodie, Neil, and Peter Watson. "Illicit Antiquities:  the Destruction of the World's Archaeological Heritage." Illicit Antiquities Research Centre. University of Cambridge, Mar. 2000. Web. 19 Sept. 2011. <http://www.mcdonald.cam.ac.uk/projects/iarc/culturewithoutcontext/issue5/brodie-watson.htm>.

Wiseman, James. "The World's Most Endangered Sites." Archaeology 52.6 (1999): 28. University of Montana. Web. 18 Sept. 2011.

What is happening in Iraq?

Note: posted for Kent Niedens

The war between Iran and Iraq that started in 1980 has hurt more than just their countries. When Iran invaded Iraq the war ended up being a stalemate for many years. It was not until 1988 that the war ended between the two countries. The war had ended between nations, but a war had started inside of Iraq. While the leaders of different groups were trying to take control of the government and nation, the country started to fall into chaos (“Iraq”). The United States decided it did not want to see Iraq get a government they did not like. This is important to me because I want to join the military. It is important to know what I might be fighting for and what we have been fighting against.

While growing up I knew we were fighting in Iraq because we thought there were nuclear weapons that they were not telling us about. As I got older I did not know why we were in Iraq and I did not know if we should stay there. But after wanting to join the army I learned that we are needed over in Iraq and that we should not leave as quickly as planned. The United States has spent about 757.8 billion dollars on the Iraq war since 2001 (Crawford and Lutz 2). Although the war has been costly, the military is helping them keep the rebels down and they are also helping them to stabilize their economy. There were several hundred thousand men and women from serving in Iraq to help the nation defend itself, to reassure the people and help stabilize the economy. As well as helping to make sure that the current government is able to stay in control. With the extra protection provided by our military and others, the people are able to participate more in government elections (“Iraq”). The Hutchinson Encyclopedia states that in 2005 voter turn out was almost up to sixty percent, even with all the violence and protestors. Sunni tried to boycott the polls but with the assurance of protection their plans were foiled (“Iraq”).

Many citizens of the United States thought we were fighting to get rid of the terrorists and to help Iraq get a democratic government. That may be true but we also fought to help protect the people of Iraq. Iraq’s military was weak after the devastating war with Iran. The UK and US thought it best to step in and help restore the government and to get Iraq drilling for oil again (“Iraq”). In 2003 the constant attacks on the oil pipelines caused their GDP to drop thirty percent, but then in 2004 it was back up (“Iraq”).

We have starting pulling out soldiers and they are all supposed to be out at the end of 2011 (“Obama”). What will happen if the Iraqi government asks us to stay longer? We have already spent a lot of money in this war and even more in lives. We should help them because if we do not their government might go back to what it was before we started to help.

Crawford, Neta and Catherine Lutz. "Economic and Budgetary Costs of the Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan to the United States: A Summary". Costs of War. Brown University. Web. 18 September 2011.

"Iraq." The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather guide. Abington: Helicon, 2010. Credo Reference. Web. 18 September 2011.

“Obama: U.S. to withdraw most Iraq troops by August 2010.” CNN Politics. CNN, 27 February 2009. Web. 18 September 2011.

Why are public schools better than private schools?

Note: Posted for Alycia Burt

This started out as me wanted to be a school teacher and going to school for elementary education but what would be so much better about teaching at a private school instead of a public school. I have always went to a public school myself and seemed to turn out just fine, who wants to go and spend around “17,441 which was the average of private schools in 2009 in the United States” (Great schools INC). Why would someone pay that much money to go to school when they could go for free? This is a question I ask myself a lot. Though some people would probably think I’m crazy for spending $125 on a pair of jeans. So am I being a hypocrite for how they want to spend their money?

While researching public and private schools I have learned that private schools are not as excepting as you would think they would be. “Public schools are required to take any child and provide them with the necessary programs that they need even if it is special ed. While private schools may deny any kid to their problem due to their special needs.” (Great schools INC). Every kid learns at a different pace and some need more help than others and that just isn’t right that they are able to do that. Public schools offer a wide variety of kids and friends, that is not narrowed down be mental ability or anything.

It’s striking to me that people would pay all this money to go and get the same education that they could get for free. There are so many more advantages “Public schools provide transportation to and from school for children who live in the school district” (Education bug). This transportation can be a big help for parents trying to work and get their kids to and from school. Many of us know how bad the economy is right now and a lot of people can’t afford that extra expense in these times right now. If you cannot afford to send your children to private schools does it mean that they are not getting as good of an education? “A large scale government financed study has concluded that students in regular public schools do as well or significantly better in math than comparable students in private schools.”(Teresa Mendez). Public schools are obviously showing that they can be just as good, or even better than private schools. You do not have to pay all the money and you are still providing a good education for your child. Though in private schools the class size does tend to be lower and normally gives the children more one on one time public school teachers have always been very will to help me and meet up with me anytime I have ever needed help, it has never been an issue.

I personally do not believe that private schools are better than public schools. I have attended public schools my whole life and have always love it and am not planning on hopefully becoming a teacher at a public school. If public schools were that bad the government would not be helping that and setting up the guidelines that need to be reached each year. Why would so many people attend public schools if they were that bad? They wouldn’t I feel blessed to have gotten to attend the public school that I did and meet all the friends that I have. We can’t expect everyone to believe that spending 17,000 for your education rather than nothing would be better or even remotely close but it truly is better.

Work Cited

GreatSchools, Joining. "Private vs. Public Schools - Defining Your Ideal School | GreatSchools." GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community. 2011. Web. 19 Sept. 2011. .

"Advantages of Public Schools - Education Bug." Education Bug - Articles, Public & Private Schools, Colleges. 2011. Web. 19 Sept. 2011. .

Mendez, Teresa. "Public v. Private Schools | ProjectAppleseed." Parental Involvement & Engagement In Public Schools |Project Appleseed in Education. USA Today, 2005. Web. 19 Sept. 2011. .