Prescription Drug Abuse in Teenagers Essay - 2188 Words

Prescription Drug Abuse in Teenagers Christina King COM 220 May 19, 2010 Rosario Rivera-Reyes Although prescription drugs are not harmful if used correctly, prescription drug abuse is high in teenagers. Most parents would never think their teenagers are helping themselves to prescription medicine sitting on ones counter. The truth is, prescription drug abuse in teenagers has become very common nowadays. The drugs are easily accessible at home, or cheap to buy at school. They are highly addictive and can†¦show more content†¦Reported prescription drug abuse by high school seniors in 2005 Parenting Teens (2005). According to Freedman (2006), an 18-year-old who lives in San Francisco believes as long as the prescription medication is taken properly, it is much safer than any street drug. â€Å"According to the findings of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America study, forty percent said prescription were much safer than illegal drugs; while 31 percent said that there was nothing wrong with using prescription drugs once in a while† (â€Å"Prescription-Drug Use by Teens,† (2006), para. 1). Teenagers think that because a medication has a prescription for an individual, it makes it safe for everyone. Several factors are involved in prescribing certain medications such as medical conditions, age, other prescriptions on may be taking and the diagnosis of the individual. Most teenagers do not consider these factors when helping themselves to medications prescribed to someone else. Prescription drugs are easy for a teenager to acquire either from their doctor s or from their own medicine cabinets. Most parents are not aware of the risks involved in leaving a bottle of prescription medication lying on the counter for everyone to have access. It will start with taking one or two at a time and then the teenager ultimately proceeds to steeling the entire bottle, buying theShow MoreRelatedDrug Abuse And Addiction Among Teenagers1704 Words   |  7 PagesStudies have shown that prescription drug abuse and addiction among teenagers is on a steady incline. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, â€Å"prescription drug abuse is the use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than as prescribed, of for the experience or feelings elicited.† This is a pervasive problem that is in fact consuming the lives of many teens, primarily because prescription drugs are easily accessible in their environment. There are several interpersonalRead MoreTeen Abuse Prescription Drug Abuse1422 Words   |  6 Pagesleading drugs used and abused by teenagers in America. According to Elizabeth Larsen, â€Å"The Centers for Disease Control classifies prescription drug abuse as the worst drug epidemic in United States history† (Larsen p.4). This is the worst drug epidemic in history because of the percentage of teenage usage. Based on different studies, pills are the most commonly abused drug among twelve- and thirteen- year olds because of how easy they are to access. In fact, many teens that abuse prescription medicationRead MoreEssay Perscription Drug Abuse among Teenagers1064 Words   |  5 PagesPrescription Drug Abuse among Teenagers ( 12-17 Years) Prescription Drugs are medications that are prescribed to patients by a doctor to help in many ways, such as relieve pain, treat symptoms of a disease, or to help fight an infection. They are very safe when used properly and under supervision of a physician, yet if used without approval of a doctor they can be very harmful and in some cases could lead to death. During your adolescence years, teens have curiosity which builds up andRead MoreSubstance Abuse Among Teenagers : A Survey1201 Words   |  5 PagesSubstance Abuse Among Teenagers Hannah is a fifteen year old girl who was recently sent to a rehabilitation center for the result of abuse of prescription medication. 6.1 million high school students currently use addictive substances, and like Hannah, 1 in 3 of them are addicted (â€Å"National Study Reveals,†2011). Although the number of teens using these drugs are decreasing, the numbers are still dangerously high. Due to it’s high risk of addiction, dangerous consequences, and growing availabilityRead MorePrescription Drug Abuse. Did You Know That Prescription1173 Words   |  5 PagesPrescription Drug Abuse Did you know that prescription drug abuse is one of the leading causes of death in the United States? â€Å"According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, two-hundred and ninety people in the United States are killed by prescription drugs every day. (White)† That number is growing every year due to the lack of knowledge of prescription drugs and the potential harm they can cause. Many people are under the misconception that prescription drugs are safe becauseRead MoreThe Epidemic of Teenagers Using Drugs1687 Words   |  7 PagesThe Epidemic of Teenagers Abusing Drugs Krystyn Romualdo COM/156 November 18, 2012 Jackie Hudspeth Jr The Epidemic of Teenagers Abusing Drugs To have known so many people that have struggled with drug addiction in their teenage years it has become very apparent what a vital time in one’s life it is to know the dangers of abusing drugs as a teenager. Even though not all teens abuse drugs, it is an epidemic in the United States because more teens are turning to drugs to escape or use outRead MorePrescription Drug Abuse1483 Words   |  6 Pagesaudience I will be addressing is parents, caregivers and school educators about the dangers of prescription drugs and how we can better educate teenagers and young adults on the dangers of abusing them. There are many ways that we can teach and educate our teenagers and young adults, but it’s important that families, schools and communities are involved. The rate of prescription drug overdose among teenagers and young adults have sky rocketed over the past several years. This has become a growing epidemicRead MorePrescription Drug Abuse : Drug And Free World1508 Words   |  7 Pagesaged 12 to 17 abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time (â€Å"Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics – Overdoes Deaths – Drug-Free World,†n.d.) A 2007 survey in the United States found that 3.3% of 12 to 17 years olds and 6% of 17 to 25 year olds had abused prescription drugs in the past month (â€Å"Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics – Overdoes Deaths – Drug-Free World,†n.d.) Prescription drug abuse causes the largest percentage of deaths from drug overdoses (â€Å"Prescription Drug Abuse StatisticsRead MorePast and Current Trends1207 Words   |  5 PagesPast and Current Trends Drugs and alcohol have played a role in American society for many years. There is, however, a wider variety of drugs available today than ever before and with this wider variety there comes a wider range of addictive qualities and health related risks that individuals who take these drugs are subjected. Habit forming drugs were introduced into American society as far back as the 1700s. These drugs were widely used for medicinal purposes without any knowledge of their addictiveRead MoreThe s Fastest Growing Drug Problem1750 Words   |  7 Pagesopioids are described as the â€Å"ation’s fastest-growing drug problem† (p. 276) and are also known as narcotics. Opioids originated from the opium poppy and have been chemically altered throughout the years in order to create more potent drugs such as hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza), and codeine. Known for analgesic properties, opioids are seen to be the most commonly used drugs among clinicians. Historically, although these narcotics

Geothermal Energy Potential For Solar Energy - 1795 Words

For Longmont, solar energy may be the best option, although Hydro power, Biomass, and Geothermal all present options. For Utica, solar energy potential was very low, while the potential for Hydro power is high and most likely that best option. For Cedar Rapids, solar energy potential was also relatively low, while Biomass presents the greatest potential. Yuma has extremely high potential for solar energy, so this seems to be the best option, but also has high potential for Geothermal energy and Hydro power. I would recommend the following to Mr. Greene for each of the four locations: Longmont, CO: 70% Solar, 30% Geothermal Utica, NY: 100% Solar Cedar Rapids, IA: 30% Solar, 70% Biomass Yuma, AZ: 80% Solar, 20% Geothermal Description of Criteria and Methods Criteria Cost refers to the monetary value that the University of Florida would have to distribute in order to create and maintain an alternative energy system. Specifically, the University of Florida would finance labor and materials (including those that make up the alternative energy system). Efficiency refers to how well an alternative energy system creates usable energy. Because many alternative energy systems rely on the physical location of certain devices and thus are capable of being less efficient in certain physical locations, location is an integral part of efficiency. Methods Research was conducted over the Internet. Specifically, the University of Florida’s online library system was used to findShow MoreRelatedScience Debate : Alternative Energy1157 Words   |  5 PagesAlternative Energy is Better Good morning/afternoon fellow peers and staff members. Today, I am going to prove how alternative energy sources are better than conventional sources. Some people don’t know the difference from alternative and conventional energy sources.Conventional sources are sources that are most common and have been traditionally used in the past. Alternative sources are the more eco-friendly source which makes our world a better place to live in. Examples of alternative energy sourcesRead MoreRenewable Energy: A New Direction Essay1241 Words   |  5 PagesNational Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) finds low potential for wind and photovoltaic energy, with favorable potential for geothermal. While this is limiting in terms of options which are currently available it is also good for the Quapaw tribe as this means that there is an option available to the tribe. This entails that implantation of geothermal energy can be achieved successfully to mitigate energy cost. Introduction: â€Å"Up to ninety cents of every dollar the Tribes spend on energy leaves immediately-Read MoreRenewable Energy Resources In Thaille Essay1552 Words   |  7 Pagestargeting to utilize 0.6% of renewable energy consumption into the country’s final energy consumption by 2035. Yet, oil will still account for the largest share (46%), followed by gas (35%) and electricity (19%). Natural gas and oil will remain the dominant supply fuels for primary energy with small contributions from new renewable energy which is solar and biomass. Currently, the economy already has a 1.2 MW solar power plant and will continue to develop more solar capacity during the outlook periodRead MoreEnergy Resources : Renewable And Non Renewable Ones1225 Words   |  5 Pagesa discovery of the ability to transform the energy into the electricity. In today’s modern world it is hard to imagine that there was a world without the electricity and that electricity was gifted to the humani ty just 400 years ago. As George Gobel said once: â€Å"If it weren’t for electricity, we’d all be watching television by candlelight†. Electricity is the gift granted to humans and it is our generation’s duty to use the electricity energy smartly and pass it to future generations. ForRead MoreDuring the 21st century our country and our planet as a whole is in energy crisis. We have used too1200 Words   |  5 Pagesplanet as a whole is in energy crisis. We have used too many oils and fossil fuel that our non-renewable resources are running out. Oil is limited and is at outrageous prices, this result is making our economy suffering. With fossil fuel and oil as the main source of energy the people of this planet need to start looking for an alternative energy source because our fossil fuel will not last forever and fossil fuel also polluted our planet. This is where a renewable energy comes in. I will start talkingRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Fossil Fuels1260 Words   |  6 PagesFossil fuels are hydrocarbons, primarily coal, fuel oil or natural gas, formed from the remains of dead plan ts and animals, and great sources of energy and great sources of pollution. 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With the necessities for diversified economies and youth bulges providing an eager labor force, there is certainly room for growth in the region. A study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that countries seriously involved with renewable energies can expect significant job creation. In Germany, for example, the numbers were 150,057 for direct employment and 120,533 for indirect . Coupled with the increasing openness of the societies and the politicalRead MoreRenewable Energy And Solar Energy921 Words   |  4 Pagesrenewable energy . Most of these renewable energies depend in one way or another on sunlight. Wind and hydroelectric power are the direct result of differential heating of the Earth s surface which leads to air moving about (wind) and precipitation forming as the air is lifted. Solar energy is the direct conversion of sunlight using panels or collectors. Biomass energy is stored sunlight contained in plants. Other renewable energies that do not depend on sunlight are geothermal energy, which isRead MoreThe Effects Of Renewable Energy On The Environment1193 Words   |  5 Pages n.d.). Renewable energy can be defined as the energy generated from various natural sources such as sunlight,wind,water,geothermal heat and biomass, which are naturally replenished or renewed (What is renewable energy?, n.d.). The use of renewable energy helps in reducing the carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds that are emitted in to the atmosphere due to burning of fossil fuels, thereby assisting in reducing climate change (Renewable energy facts, n.d.). As the population

Quality Management in Healthcare and Social Care Industry

Questions: 1. Perspectives of Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trusts Stakeholders regarding quality?2. Standards that exist in health and social care for measuring quality?3. Evaluation of effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures used in achieving quality?4. Methods for evaluating health and social care service quality with regard to external and internal perspectives? Answers: Introduction: Effective quality management is essential for every health and social care sector in terms of providing best care to the service users. In order to improve productivity and efficiency of services they deliver the health and social care organization should focus on quality maintenance. And it has been evidenced that to improve services to users health care sector must follow proper principle, guidelines and procedures set by government or industry authorities. Though having legislation and care standards for health care industry, long term commitments, communications and facilities including all stakeholders are required. Quality standards are set for health and social care and purpose behind it is to increase quality of the sector which providing care to the community throughout responsibility. In light of all these facts this report is made up on Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trusts to assess its quality standards and principles, discuss the perspective of stakeholders working there and will evaluate different approaches for the particular health care to implement quality standard. This report will explain the systems, policies and actions the hospital can take to tackle the determined shortfalls. 1 Perspectives of Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trusts Stakeholders regarding quality Every stakeholder associated with the health and social care services has their own opinion and perspective about the quality provided and standard maintained by the health care home. Any service which offer satisfaction to stakeholder means quality for them. Service users perspectives of quality is depend upon their way of thinking, their values and experience they got from particular health care. For patients measurement of quality is about the treatment they get, responsiveness of hospital staff, how their dignity be respected, confidentiality and safety. If hospital fulfill all these measures then perspective of patient about hospital quality standard is good. In the case of Royal United Hospital it had been seen that patient safety indicators decreased. Patients had to wait more for surgery and elective surgical procedures were also being cancelled (ARAH, WESTERT, HURST KLAZINGA, 2006). Such incidents tend to create negative perspective of service users. Another instance we can take which shows that the Royal Hospital have not been able to met personal needs of service users. Lack of facilities like shortage of beds and availability of staff create discomfort among service users. Other stakeholder is health care professionals include senior nurses and doctors. According to them quality is the outcomes of services users and result of care taken by them, positive result of their treatment. There perspective about quality is adopting adequate skills to provide proper care and treatment, taking right decisions for their patients, availability of instrument and all media of treatment in hospital define high quality (BALDOCK, 1997). The way and ability to conduct their duties to promote quality of services depend on commitment and effort of healthcare professionals. Case study of Royal United Hospital shows that Health professionals did not understand much about record systems importance which promotes quality of service. Senior nurses and some doctors are not serious about implementation of policies and procedures which essential to fulfill service users needs. Another stakeholder is Care Quality Commission (CQC) whose perspective is very important regarding to the hospital. CQCs view of looking towards hospital issues can make difference is obtaining quality of care, because they have the responsibility monitoring GP surgeries, hospital facilities and all practices conducted by hospital (BAMFORD, QURESHI, NICHOLAS, VERNON, 1999). They need to ensure about safety, effectiveness, and availability of services and care with high quality (The Royal United Hospital page 29). Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trusts CQC perspective initiates measures through putting service users on the centre of care; they were in the favor of promoting independence and equality. Always try to improve performance of hospital to achieve standard. Inspection and regulation of hospital helps to maintain quality is the opinion of CQC which is stated in the given case. CQC also understands the need of updating standard continuously to meet needs and satisfaction of service users at NHS trust. 1.1 Analysis of external agencies role in setting standard: External agencies plays important role in order to provide good quality of services and setting standard of care for health sector. Plenty of external agencies work for it such as National institute for clinical excellence, Care Quality Commission, Health Service Commissioners and local authorities. Role of each agency is important in setting standards and achieving quality outcome for health and social care sector. National Institute for Clinical Excellence: This independent organization provides guidance in terms of promoting good health which prevent and treat ill health. In Royal United Nursing home professionals reassured before giving prescriptions to the service users having problem of anxiety and panic attacks and require regular sedatives for sleeping. For this case if required professionals also ask review and advice of government practitioner. Service providers and professionals take training of National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for treating different medical conditions. As compare to CQC NICE guidance mostly used to assure about quality of services and NICE also make sure that value for money are maintained. Care Quality Commission: The care provided by local authorities, NHS, private companies and voluntary organization are regulated by CQC. They always aim to provide quality and better health care to each service user. In Royal United Hospital CQC makes minimum three inspections yearly on the measure of cleanliness, care quality and so on. CQC has the power to take action on the behalf of service user if the care and quality provided by health care is not acceptable. CQC perspective initiates measures through putting service users on the centre of care; they were in the favour of promoting independence and equality. Always try to improve performance of their hospital to achieve standard. 1.2 Impact of poor service quality on Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trusts stakeholders: If health care sector not providing sufficient and effective service quality it leaves negative impact on its stakeholders. Stakeholder temperament seems to be changed in some cases due to the poor quality of services provided by health care. Service users complaining about getting poor service continuously and more over that no one is taking accountability that means change should be needed. Solution over it is every service user should get consultant in charge for the sake of services they are receiving. In order to maintain stability in stakeholders perspective quality measuring is required in hospital industry. Every stakeholder has their opinion about quality standard which no one can change, but coordination and same indicator of quality among stakeholder is essential. The case study about Royal United Hospital shows that lack of coordination and lack of similar opinion is main among stakeholders is main reason of poor quality services (BENZEVAL, JUDGE, 2001). Level of poor quality will be reduced with the help of monitoring and measuring quality because health care service very is complex. For instance take an example from case study which determine that service users affected due to the poor quality of care, as the record shows dehydration complaint is found in many patients due to lack of fluid intake (The Royal United Hospital CQC report 2013). 2 Standards that exist in health and social care for measuring quality: Standard is level of quality against which performance of health care can be measured. Having standard is essential and requires ensuring and measuring safe and effective practice. It designed in order to encourage and support a better practice environment in health care. Due to implementing standard individual would be able to receive right care within health and social care. Person-centered approach can be facilitated through quality standards. Due to implementing specific standards in health care sector error will be reduced and quality will be increased (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety 2006). Care Quality Commission introduces many quality and safety standards and record keeping is one of them. Record keeping standard ensures that patients do not get unsafe and incorrect treatment and care standard in any manner (Care Quality Commission, 2010). In record keeping it is initiated that patients treatment, medical condition and other important information related to care should be recorded by service provider on regular basis. The maintained records have been assessable whenever it will be required. Service users experience and trust improve due to keeping such relevant record. Level of health professionals practice can raised. As far as our case concern it is found that record keeping system did not implemented by the RUH bath and hence the fail to meet CQC standard of record keeping. Though RUH Bath maintained some records but when CQC requested to look those records they were not easily assessed (The Royal United Hospital CQC report 2013). Another standard incorporated by CQC to maintain high quality of care is respecting dignity and rights of individuals (Care Quality Commission, 2014). It is important to increase satisfaction level of service users and their experience that their dignity should be maintained. Dignity is related with individuals feeling and behaviour. But contrast is experienced in RUH Bath as per the case study which evidenced that some of the times patients dignity was not respected. Safeguarding people who use services from abuse is also the essential standard quality and safety of CQC. It simply required that people should be protected from abuse and staff should respect their human rights. 2.1 Evaluation of different approaches to implementing quality systems: In above section the important of providing quality care to the service users is discussed. Now it is also essential to understand and evaluate the approaches that are very crucial for implementation of quality system. The quality management systems are important and focused towards patients satisfaction and derive value for their money. First quality management system we discuss here is Total Quality Management (TQM) system. The application of quality management processes throughout the organization. This includes working on problems and strengthening areas that cross departmental lines. This quality management system is person focused and it aims to increase satisfaction and care standard of service users and provide value for their money. Another quality system is benchmarking which work on compare and implement basis. It is required to compare your organization quality and care with other competitive organization. Through this comparison best and different trends are discovered and projected into our organization practices. It will help to improve and meet the expectation of people working in and getting served through the organization. It adopt the process which compares current data of the health care organization with its old records and compare the performance which helps to determine difference between current and past performance. The variation determined alert the manager to implement changes. Approaches to implement quality system: Policies and procedures: These are outlines in various government document and these guidelines can also set things informed through regulations. Different policies and procedures are implemented for different situations in health care such as in accidental case hospital first file a report of resident accident, after that their family members are being informed about accident (BOYNE, 2002). The patient is treated and then precautions are put to avoid future consequences. Policy of infection control helps to prevent spread of infection within health care. All the protective measures have to be followed while handling the infectious wastes and treated residents. Resources: Adequate and efficient amount of staff help to provide highest quality of services and most importantly services are provided on time and quality of those services maintained. If hospital have appropriate resources then total quality management will be easy to manage. Benefits of applying resources: Due to applying policies and procedures hospital cannot have to face any legal consequences. If procedures are followed properly it will create positive image of the hospital obeying the policies like infection control will help to prevent people from infection and maintain quality standard of hospital Availability of proper resources helps to serve the service users on time and hence people would not have to wait longer for getting treated. Availability of proper equipment and machines and tools will help to treat any kind of disease without wasting time. Consequences: Lack of adequate resources and late in treatment lead to dissatisfaction of service users because they are unable to get adequate services as well as service provider are over worked so that they unable to do anything Best Approach for RUH is increasing the resources. Because it is found at various situation that patients had to wait more for surgery and elective surgical procedures were also being cancelled. Such incidents tend to create negative perspective of service users. Another instance we can take which shows that the Royal Hospital have not been able to met personal needs of service users. Lack of facilities like shortage of beds and availability of staff create discomfort among service users. 2.2 Analysis of RUHs potential barriers in delivering quality health and social care services: External barrier: Barrier created due to external factors in front of the RUH prevent the hospital from achieving quality standards and are given as below: Legislation: In certain cases it is found that RUH has to face certain legal issue. This type of controversies effect on hospitals image and quality of care was affected. Warning notice from the CQC standard had also been issued after the inspection of their team. Social policy: In terms of ensuring the experience of service user at the highest quality level, safety has to be promoted and value for money in place of health is required. In lack of social setting staff do not able to empower with the right skills and training in quality improvement and measuring techniques. Internal barrier: Interaction between people: Having right staff and correct attitude towards quality is basic criteria for maintaining good practice in healthcare. But it is not being practices in RUH identified in case study. This attitude and less interaction create potential barrier in front of hospital. Organizational structure: RUH need to make changes in structure of its organization in order to gain quality standard. Value, ethics and believes of staff should be improves and for this proper training is required to be arranged. Impact of the barriers are quite obvious, as staff does not feel motivated and satisfied while working in the hospital and providing services to the patients. As it is known less satisfied and motivated staff cannot be committed towards their organization which will impact through their services provided. If service user get less quality service they got dissatisfied and such dissatisfaction chain lead RUH towards less quality and service provider organizations category. 3 Evaluation of effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures used in achieving quality: The first policy RUH used as specified in case scenario was safe wandering policy. This has implemented occur need of attaching bracelets to the wrists of some people with dementia and had at the risk of wandering off the ward. These would only be attached on the recommendation of the consultant for the ward. Another policy identified is trust policy. This policy had been detailed that when and how the bracelets could be used. It was also emphasized that Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards had to follow (CHALLIS, CLARKSON WARBURTON, 2006). Different procedures are implemented for different situations in health care such as in accidental case hospital first file a report of resident accident, after that their family members are being informed about accident. The patient is treated and then precautions are put to avoid future consequences. The escalation procedures are used in RUH in order to manage the waiting times. It is being told by senior staff and surgical outpatients that if due to new referrals impact on appointment waiting time had been occurring then it is the right of service user to notify it to lead consultant who should provide other doctor or additional clinics to complete the service. The quality systems identified in scenario was Total Quality Management (TQM) system. The application of quality management processes throughout the organization. This includes working on problems and strengthening areas that cross departmental lines. This quality management system is person focused and it aims to increase satisfaction and care standard of service users and provide value for their money. Benchmarking work is to compare and implement facts. It is required to compare your organization quality and care with other competitive organization. Through this comparison best and different trends are discovered and projected into our organization practices. It will help to improve and meet the expectation of people working in and getting served through the organization. It adopt the process which compares current data of the health care organization with its old records and compare the performance which helps to determine difference between current and past performance (DAVIES CHALLIS, 1986). The variation determined alert the manager to implement changes. 3.1 Analysis of factor influencing the achievement of quality in RUH: In order to get success in any work it is important to have any support along with the hard work. The same thing goes correct about RUH there are various factor which influence the health care organization to achieve quality of services and getting positive feedback from service user. Funding: In order to perform service, provide facility and having sufficient resource it is important to have sufficient funding. This is the factor which goes correct for RUH that they got proper funding the trust received 2.35 million of NHS funding which promote it towards improvement of services. This was increased trust confidence and it leads significant change effectively. The funding had been used by RUH to support the innovative changes and new ideas would help to improve the quality. User of service expectation: When someone expect from you more you automatically starts to improve yourself in order to meet their expectation. Same thing happen with RUH, it got large amount of funding which means people want to see them working more quality work and serve people with excellence. This pressure automatically leads the hospital towards improvisation in its working practices and its service providers working with more discipline. Media: when patients dissatisfaction graph goes high and patient started complaining about the services and quality of facilities provided by RUH media builds pressure on the hospital. The pressure of media and media reports lead the hospital to improve its quality of services. 3.2 Suggest ways in which the health and social care service could improve its quality: Improving quality required find out problem first and the as per the case scenario RUH having some problems. In some occasion it is found that patients had not been treated with respect by service providers. Their dignity had not been maintained and staff need more training to maintain safety while treating children and in serious situation. According to the CQCs view of looking towards hospital issues can make difference is obtaining quality of care, because they have the responsibility monitoring GP surgeries, hospital facilities and all practices conducted by hospital. They need to ensure about safety, effectiveness, and availability of services and care with high quality (The Royal United Hospital page 29). Service users perspectives of quality is depend upon their way of thinking, their values and experience they got from particular health care. For patients measurement of quality is about the treatment they get, responsiveness of hospital staff, how their dignity be respected, confidentiality and safety. If hospital fulfill all these measures then perspective of patient about hospital quality standard is good. In the case of Royal United Hospital it had been seen that patient safety indicators decreased. Patients had to wait more for surgery and elective surgical procedures were also being cancelled. Such incidents tend to create negative perspective of service users. Another instance we can take which shows that the Royal Hospital have not been able to met personal needs of service users. Lack of facilities like shortage of beds and availability of staff create discomfort among service users. Hence quality improvement needs effectiveness, safety, and efficiency of services. 4 Methods for evaluating health and social care service quality with regard to external and internal perspectives: In order to evaluate effectiveness of quality of service use of surveys and questionnaires is important. Due to questionnaires uses it perspective of different people from service users to service providers and commission is get clear and hence survey and questionnaires are used. From the survey it is observed that service users perspectives of quality is depend upon their way of thinking, their values and experience they got from particular health care. For patients measurement of quality is about the treatment they get, responsiveness of hospital staff, how their dignity be respected, confidentiality and safety. If hospital fulfill all these measures then perspective of patient about hospital quality standard is good. In the case of Royal United Hospital it had been seen that patient safety indicators decreased. Patients had to wait more for surgery and elective surgical procedures were also being cancelled. Such incidents tend to create negative perspective of service users. Another instance we can take which shows that the Royal Hospital have not been able to met personal needs of service users. Lack of facilities like shortage of beds and availability of staff create discomfort among service users. Hence quality improvement needs effectiveness, safety, a nd efficiency of services. Questionnaire help to provide area of improvement, measure level of satisfaction and motivation and also provide information about expectations. This will also be used by hospital authorities in order to reduce errors in hospital facilities and operating systems. There are advantages and disadvantages of using surveys and questioners. Some of advantages involve real word observation of the service, involvement of many people who can offer huge amount of information and different points of view, and an opportunity to produce a huge amount of data at small format. As disadvantages could be consider lack of details information, lack of respond, and validity of information produce (Kelley, K. et al 2003). 4.1 Impact that involving users of services in the Evaluation process has on service quality: Today patients are involved in all the aspects of design and delivery and hence their response and advice would be valuable for hospitals. Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trusts CQC perspective initiates measures through putting service users on the centre of care; they were in the favor of promoting independence and equality. Always try to improve performance of hospital to achieve standard. Inspection and regulation of hospital helps to maintain quality is the opinion of CQC which is stated in the given case. CQC also understands the need of updating standard continuously to meet needs and satisfaction of service users at NHS trust. There perspective about quality is adopting adequate skills to provide proper care and treatment, taking right decisions for their patients, availability of instrument and all media of treatment in hospital define high quality DAVIES, B., FERNNDEZ, J. L. NOMER, B. (2000b). The way and ability to conduct their duties to promote quality of services depend on commitment and effort of healthcare professionals. Case study of Royal United Hospital shows that Health professionals did not understand much about record systems importance which promotes quality of service. Senior nurses and some doctors are not serious about implementation of policies and procedures which essential to fulfill service users needs. Conclusion: For improving productivity and efficiency of quality and services provided by the health care sector it is important to maintain quality standard. It is concluded through the report that different stakeholders have their different opinion and hence hospital should respect and use their perspective to improve quality of services. And it has been evidenced that to improve services to users health care sector must follow proper principle, guidelines and procedures set by government or industry authorities. Though having legislation and care standards for health care industry, long term commitments, communications and facilities including all stakeholders are required. Reference List: Academy of Medical Royal College (2010). MPROVING QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THENHS WHILST FACING THE FINANCIAL PRESSURES [online] Available at: https://www.aomrc.org.uk/publications/statements/doc_view/233-academy-statement-improving-quality-productivity-in-the-nhs-whilst-facing-the-financial-pressures.html [Accessed on 26/02/2014] Adass(2013) A protocol between CQC and councils with social services responsibilities [pdf] Available at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/cqc_adass_provider_protocol.pdf [Accessed on 20/03/2014] Alimo-Metcalfe, B. et al (2011). Engaging leadership Creating organisations that maximise the potential of their people [pdf] Available at: https://www.cipd.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F72D3236-E832-4663-ABEC-BCC7890DC431/0/Engaging_leadership_STF.pdf [Accessed on 06/04/2014] BMJ Publishing Group (2014). Improving the quality of care through clinical governance https://www.bmj.com/content/322/7302/1580 [Accessed on 04/04/2014] Care Quality Commission (2014) About us [online] Available at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/about-us [Accessed on 04/03/2014] Care Quality Commission (2014) The essential standards [online] Available at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/organisations-we-regulate/registering-first-time/essential-standards [Accessed on 20/03/2014] Care Quality Commission (2014) CQC launch 'State of Care' report 2012 [online] Available at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/media/cqc-launch-state-care-report-2012 [Accessed on 23/03/2014] Care Quality Commission (2014). Respecting peoples dignity and rights. [online] Available at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/public/reports-surveys-and-reviews/reports/state-care-report-2009/care-meets-individuals-needs/respe [Accessed on 27/03/2014] Care Quality Commission(2010) Summary of regulations, outcomes and judgement framework [pdf] Available at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/guidance_about_compliance_summary.pdf [Accessed on 23/03/2014] Clinical Audit (2009). What is Clinical Audit? [pdf] Available at: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/clinauditchap1.pdf [Accessed on 07/04/2014] Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety (2006) The Quality Standards for Health and Social Care [pdf] Available at: https://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/qpi_quality_standards_for_health___social_care.pdf [Accessed on 23/03/2014] Department of Health (2013) Compassion in Practice [pdf] Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/compassion-in-practice.pdf [Accessed on 04/04/2014] Department of Health (2013) Delivering high quality, effective, compassionate care: Developing the right people with the right skills and the right values [pdf] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/203332/29257_2900971_Delivering_Accessible.pdf [Access on 06/04/2014] DiMeglio K, Lucas, S. Lucas, Padula, C. (2005). Group Cohesion and Nurse Satisfaction. Journal of Nursing Administration. 35:3 , 110-120 Economics of Engineering Decisions (2008). Different Perspectives of Health and Social care. Is the Consensus Possible?[pdf] Available at: https://www.ktu.lt/lt/mokslas/zurnalai/inzeko/56/1392-2758-2008-1-56-104.pdf [Accessed 26/02/2014] Employers(2013) Minimum standards for healthcare support workers[online] Available at:https://www.nhsemployers.org/PlanningYourWorkforce/SupportWorkforce/regulation/Pages/Minimum-Standards-for-Healthcare-Support-Workers.aspx [Accessed on 23/03/2014] Evangelical Community Hospital (2013). Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) [online] Available at: https://www.evanhospital.com/about/cqi [Accessed on 06/04/2014] ARAH, O. A., WESTERT, G. P., HURST, J. KLAZINGA, N. S. (2006) A conceptual framework for the OECD Health Care Quality Indicators Project. Int J Qual Health Care, 18, 5-13. BALDOCK, J. (1997) Social Care in Old Age: More Than a Funding Problem. Social Policy Administration, 31, 73-89. BAMFORD, C. H., QURESHI, H., NICHOLAS, E. VERNON, A. (1999) Outcomes of Social Care for Disabled People and Carers. IN SOCIAL POLICY 20 RESEARCH UNIT (Ed.) Outcomes in Community Care Practice. York, Social Policy Research Unit. BENZEVAL, M. JUDGE, K. (2001) Income and health: the time dimension. Social Science and Medicine, 52, 1371-90. BEVAN, G. CORNWELL, J. (2006) Structure and logic of regulation and governance of quality of health care: was OFSTED a model for the Commission for Health Improvement? Health Economics, Policy and Law, 1, 343-370. BLANE, D. (1995) Social determinants of health - socioeconomic status, social class, and ethnicity. American Journal of Public Health, 85, 903-5. BOBINAC, A., VAN EXEL, N. J. A., RUTTEN, F. F. H. BROUWER, W. B. F. (2010) Caring for and caring about: Disentangling the caregiver effect and the family effect. Journal of Health Economics, 29, 549-556. BOYNE, G. A. (2002) Concepts and Indicators of Local Authority Performance: An Evaluation of the Statutory Frameworks in England and Wales. Public Money and Management, 22, 17-24. CHALLIS, D. (1981) The measurement of outcome in social care of the elderly. Journal of social policy, 10, 179-208. CHALLIS, D., CLARKSON, P. WARBURTON, R. (2006) Performance Indicators in Social Care for Older People, Aldershot, Ashgate. COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL CARE INSPECTION (2007) Performance Assessment Handbook 2006-07. Adult Social Care Services. London, Commission for Social Care Inspection. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (2007) The new performance framework for local authorities and local authority partnerships: single set of national indicators. IN COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Ed.). TSO. CUTLER, T. WAINE, B. (2003) Advancing Public Accountability? The Social Services 'Star' Ratings. Public Money Management, 23, 125-128. DAVIES, B. (1985) Production of Welfare Approach. Discussion Paper 400. Canterbury, Personal Social Services Research Unit. 21 DAVIES, B. CHALLIS, D. (1986) Matching Resources to Needs in Community Care, Aldershot, Gower. DAVIES, B., FERNNDEZ, J.-L. NOMER, B. (2000a) Equity and Efficiency Policy in Community Care., Aldershot, Ashgate. DAVIES, B., FERNNDEZ, J. L. NOMER, B. (2000b) Equity and Efficiency Policy in Community Care, Aldershot, Ashgate. DAVIES, B. KNAPP, M. (1981) Old People's Homes and the Production of Welfare, London, Routledge and Keegan Paul. DAVIES, B. VERRY, D. (1976) University Costs and Outputs, Amsterdam, Elsevier.

Lifetime Parental Support Essays - Childhood, Family, Parenting

Lifetime Parental Support Love for life Raised with strict family values, I cringe to phrases like, "I can't wait to get my children out of the house," or "As soon as my children reach 18, they are on their own." I become shocked to discover that age defines the release date in which children are no longer supported by parents. Children are the offspring to which parents give birth to in life. Regardless of the age, an individual will always be a child to one's mother or father and should receive support until, and beyond, the age of being released into the world. Support is the assistance provided on earth. In order to live happily in this world, one must be supported or support themselves with food, a house, finance, security, approval, acceptance, and love. These, all of which are determined by Abraham H. Maslow, a well- respected psychologist, are the "hierarchy of needs." These are needs that everyone should have the ability to acquire. Unfortunately, the much needed support from many parents are being cut off too early. As a college student entering adulthood, I witness many peers facing very stressful times of their lives. At this time of their lives, a number of peers have been "released" from parental support, hoped to have been given to them until individual security was found. Instead, many peers have found themselves desperately "on their own." This early release from parental support comes at a crucial time to many, because it disrupts the need to prepare themselves completely for society. To too many of my fellow students, education and support is replaced by financial and emotional burdens. The weight of the many hardships that arrive, restricts a clear thinking mind, necessary for education and personal development. A child must have full support from the parents to gain knowledge and security in the world. Immature detachment of parental support, will result in the disturbance to acquire personal potential. Parents should think about the needs of the children and continue to support them through the many lengths and levels throughout life. We live in a complex society where love, care, advice, and assistance are of priceless value. Because living is about learning, parents should be available to their children for understanding life's dynamic possibilities. Parents helping their children learn from their past experiences will aid them to become more knowledgeable of the world and what to expect from it. The less parents teach children of past encounters, the more their children tend to repeat life's mistakes. Support should vary according to how much the child needs in order to support him or herself. Though food, house, finance, and security needs are met by the child, a parent should continue to be open with love and acceptance. Should in one day all material items disappear, the most important necessity needed to remain secure, is love and acceptance. Parenting is giving love and support without an expiration date. The parent-child relationship is a significant element of human nature. The relationship is devotion that a child receives from the parent and gives back to his or her own mother or father. If a child receives plenty of affection from the parents, the child will tend to give this love back, later down the road of life. From being nurtured as an infant to support of a parent of old age, if a child was brought up lovingly and supportively, it is likely that when the parents reach an elderly stage, they will also be taken care of, lovingly and supportively. Like the saying, "What comes around, goes around," life tends to perform karma in many ways throughout life. Unconditional love and support will take away the worries that many face. Unconditional love and support replaces the need for extreme individual responsibility. Responsibility is what many parents think about when making the mistake of releasing children too early into society. What parents believe as laying responsibility upon their child, actually turns into uncertainty, insecurity, lack of confidence, and sense of rejection. These experiences impair concentration required to focus on education and personal growth. In some case these experiences of uncertainty, insecurity, etc., develop into depression, which places major stress upon

The End essays

The End essays While feminisms primary emphasis has historically been on womens role in the world, and the need for drastic change in our movement toward equality, feminism today does not present such a simple and unified message. Feminist scholars, vary drastically in the arguments they make about feminism from to what extent it is prevalent, what its causes are and what should be studied and emphasized to improve women as a group within society. But because women are such a broad group as whole, individual experiences of sex, race and class ultimately affects particular feminist scholars in their area of study. For while Melanie Maltry and Kristin Tuckers article Female Fem(me)ininities: New Articulations in Queer Gender Identities and Subversion focuses on the restricted historical endorsement and political legitimization of the masculinized lesbian, Audre Lordes article Age, Race, Class and Sex: Women Redefining Difference focuses on the roles certain characteristics in life place on different iating womens experiences and needs. Meanwhile Iris Marion Youngs article Throwing Like a Girl centers on feminine body behavior and it implications. This paper will first look at these arguments individually, and will then compare and contrast the articles in order to assess the to what extent each authors argument are in line with the broad and generalized goal of feminist; to create a society in which women are equal to men. Through analysis this paper will ultimately show that authors personal background and biases seem to dominate their study, rather than their commonality as women. In their article, Melanie Maltry and Kristin Tucker examine the roles femme and butch lesbians have within their community, and how femme lesbians have historically been ignored both by the gay community and the straight community. It is important to note that this article was written in...

Strategies for Hiring a Teacher

Strategies for Hiring a Teacher Because teachers can make or break a school, the process used to hire them is critical to a schools overall success. A building principal typically plays some sort of role in the hiring of a new teacher. Some principals are a part of a committee that interviews and decides who to hire, while others interview potential candidates individually. In either case, its important that the necessary steps are taken to hire the right person for the job. Hiring a new teacher is a process and should not be rushed. There are important steps that should be taken when looking for a new teacher. Here are a few of them.   Understand Your Needs Every school has their own needs when it comes to hiring a new teacher and its important that the person or people in charge of hiring understand exactly what those are. Examples of specific needs might include certification, flexibility, personality, experience, curriculum, and, most importantly, the individual philosophy of the school or district. Understanding these needs before you begin the interview process allows those in charge to have a better idea of what you are looking for. This can help create a list of interview questions catered to these needs.   Post an Ad It is important that you get as many candidates as possible. The larger the pool, the more likely it will be that you will have at least one candidate that meets all of your needs. Post ads on your school website, in each of the local newspapers, and in any educational publications in your state. Be as detailed as possible in your advertisements. Be sure to give a contact, a deadline for submission, and a list of qualifications.   Sort Through Resumes Once your deadline has passed, quickly scan each resume for key words, skills, and types of experiences that fit your needs. Try to get as much information about each individual candidate from their resume before you begin the interview process. If you are comfortable with doing so, pre-rank each candidate based on the information in their resume before interviewing. Interview Qualified Candidates Invite your top candidates to come in for interviews. How you conduct these is up to you; some people are comfortable doing a non-scripted interview, while others prefer a specific script to guide the interview process. Try to get a feel for your candidates personality, experience, and what sort of teacher they will be. Do not rush through your interviews. Start with small talk. Take the time to get to know them. Encourage them to ask questions. Be open and honest with each candidate. Ask tough questions if necessary. Take Comprehensive Notes Start taking notes on each candidate as you go through resumes. Add to those notes during the interview itself. Jot down anything that is relevant to the list of needs that you created before beginning the process. Later on, you will add to your notes when you check each candidate’s references. Taking great notes on each candidate is essential for  hiring the right person and its especially important if you have a long list of candidates to interview over the course of several days and even weeks. It may be hard to remember everything about the first few candidates if you do not take comprehensive notes. Narrow the Field After you have completed all the initial interviews, you will need to review all notes and narrow down the list of candidates to your top 3-4. You will want to invite these top candidates back for a second interview. Re-Interview With Assistance In the second interview, consider bringing in another employee such as the  district’s superintendent or even a committee made up of several stakeholders. Instead of giving your co-workers too much background before the interview, its best to allow them to formulate their own opinions about each candidate. This will ensure that each candidate will be evaluated without your personal bias influencing the other interviewers decision. After all the top candidates have been interviewed, you can discuss each candidate with the other persons who interviewed, seeking their input and perspective. Put Them on the Spot If possible, ask the candidates to prepare a short, ten-minute lesson to teach to a group of students. If it is during the summer and students are not available, you can have them give their lesson the group of stakeholders in the second interview round. This will allow you to see a brief snapshot of how they handle themselves in the classroom and perhaps provide you with a better feel for what kind of teacher they are. Call All References Checking references can be another valuable tool in evaluating a candidate. This is especially effective for teachers with experience. Contacting their former principal(s) can provide you with important information that you may not be able to get from an interview.   Rank the Candidates and Make an Offer You should have plenty of information after following all the previous steps to make someone a job offer. Rank each candidate according to which one you believe best fits your school’s needs. Review each resume and all of your notes, taking the other interviewee’s thoughts into consideration as well. Call your first choice and offer them a job. Do not call any other candidates until they accept the job and sign a contract. This way, if your first choice does not accept the offer, you will be able to move to the next candidate on the list. After you have hired a new teacher, be professional and call each candidate, letting them know that the position has been filled.

IT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IT - Essay Example According to Mintzberg (1999), they are â€Å"functional strategy, operational strategy, business strategy, dynamic strategy and corporative strategy. Strategic business unit is also included† (Mintzberg, 1999). Functional strategy in its turn includes strategic development of new products, marketing strategies, economic strategies, lawful principles, human resources and information technologies. Information technology can not only assist in reducing the number of mistakes usually made during the work with papers, it can also let workers save the time they spend on communication with customers (Schoemaker, 1993). This extra time appears because the procedures are held more effectively and professionally. Work with papers includes making corrections and some mistakes are usually left uncorrected that can cost much (Porter, 1996). The correct information technologies implementation is not an easy task in terms of the involvement of all company’s employees. Moreover, this process should be considered as a long- period leaning, where progress is made gradually, because in order to make the process effective all the employees should learn how to apply new methods. Furthermore, the appropriate use of the system needs understandable instructions and regular testing. Today more and more companies with different kinds of activity apply information technologies and face the task of its implementation. Some of them are already successfully using new opportunities these technologies provide, while in some areas, for example, healthcare area, information technology has not been fully implemented yet. We should hope that soon all the industries will use this opportunity to improve their activity, because information technology is valuable both for employees and the clients. According to Huber (1990), ‘information technologies should reduce centralization in decision making in centralized organizations and increase

Group Interviews Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Group Interviews - Essay Example Also called as focus groups and panel interviews, group interviewing has, still, its own share of advantages and disadvantages. Several suppositions on its advantages as a research method has made group interviewing an extensively used technique (Robinson, 1993). Comparing this technique with individual or one-on-one interview, group interviewing is presumed to generate a wider variety of response, which in turn, is highly valuable in marketing and social researches. Companies use this technique in job screenings as well, to see leadership and character of the candidates in an open discussion. In this way, they could spot the strong and competent ones who are suitable for their open positions. In terms of time, group interviewing is an efficient technique in social researches to meet deadlines yet still generate sufficient and reasonable data set. With these share of positive attributes, the charisma of group interviewing has come to be equated with â€Å"qualitative research† (Robinson, 1993). In most cases, the effect of group interviewing on interview space and environment is treated as an advantage. As most people feel tension when set for an individual interview, the setting of several interviewees at one session somehow relieves the pressure of the situation. The intimidating feel of the one-on-one interview is also lessened during a group interviews as interviewees get the comfortable feeling along with the each other, rather than alone with a respectable moderator. In this case, the apparent view of the moderator or researcher as an authority, which makes the situation intimidating, is avoided. Interaction among the interviewees is also seen as an advantage in many cases, as it not only creates a comfortable environment but rather an opportunity for a sensible discussion and data set. It is in this lively interaction and rich discussion that the data emerges (Cohen & Manion, 1994). Thus, group

Philosophy on Guidance and Classroom Management Essay Example for Free

Philosophy on Guidance and Classroom Management Essay My philosophy on guidance and classroom management includes the ideas that as an educator I am responsible for providing an environment that allows each child to explore their own innate curiosity. NAEYC Standards states in regard to promote child development and learning an educator must be knowledgeable and understanding the multiple influences on early development and learning. Using developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments for young children in which I will provide an environment that exhibits compassion, that is secure, caring, and a stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. I will allow children to become responsible members of the community by using strategies such as positive discipline and democratic principles. I will demonstrate to the children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning. I will present curriculum that involves the interests of the children and make learning relevant to life. This will be operated through thematic units, projects, small group activities as well as hands on activities and individual assignments in order to make the children active learners. STANDARD 2: BUILDING FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS It is my responsibility to ensure parents that the classroom will promote a positive learning experience; they will receive a handbook that will provide detailed information on policies and procedures. I will provide a curriculum that demonstrates meaningful experiences that respond to the children’s strengths, interests and needs. I will provide access to information (such as a class website) and newsletter rather than acting as the primary source of information. Students and parents will be provided with access to hands on activities that will allow adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied for an opportunity for individual discover and construction of knowledge to occur. Parents will have an opportunity to schedule conferences for face to face interaction three times within the school year. Based on NAEYC second standard, which states to build family and community relationships, Based on NAEYC second standard, which states to build fam ily and community relationships, there will be an open door policy that will allow parents to interact with his/her child during the course of the day as well as special pop in visits. This will not only allow the parents to feel a part of the educational program but will also show their children their interest in their learning. In order to promote the most supportive classroom for children’s healthy development I would incorporate three components which would help to ensure continuity in children’s development: developmentally appropriate curricula, parents and school collaboration, and community support and services provided by social service agencies building supportive relationships with parents will influence these three components, this will help parents understand and sanction what is being taught. It is important that a well functioning classroom be aligned with the NAEYC standards. A classroom teacher has an ethical responsibility to the children. The teacher must recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities and potential of each child. It is imperative that support is given to each child allowing them to play and learn in an inclusive environment, one that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities. Teachers also have a responsibility to the parents. Teachers should develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families that are being provided and educational service. Teachers should always make every effort to communicate effectively with all families in a language that they understand. As well as inform families about the nature and purpose of all assessments that are used with their children. In regard to providing information about injuries and accidents, as well as risks of exposures to communicable diseases that might result in infection, the teacher will notify parents in a timely manner through verbal communication, flyers, and classroom postings. A classroom that is built on a solid foundation has dynamic classroom management techniques, showers their children with an abundance of love, as well as respect for families is a classroom that also follows Developmentally Appropriate Practices outlined by the National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC). Based on the Developmentally Appropriate Practices set forth by NAEYC, in regards to educators within the preschool-primary spectrum the goal is not for children to learn primary grade skills at an earlier age; it is for their teachers to take the first steps together to ensure that young children develop and learn, to be able to acquire such skills and understandings as they progress in school. References: Lombardi, J. (1992). Beyond transition: Ensuring continuity in5 early childhood services. ERIC Digest. Urbana, IL: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education NAEYC.org

Foolish Pride in Judith Guests Ordinary People :: Judith Guest Ordinary People Essays

Foolish Pride in Ordinary People In the book Ordinary People, the author Judith Guest portrays a "normal" family, living in Lake Forest, struggling with many problems on the inside, but trying their best to hide their feelings. This book explores the need for everyone to act normal, and ordinary, and even though everyone in the book had a huge problem eating them from the inside, they didn't want anyone to know something was wrong. Many characters in the book hid from their problems. By the end of the book most of them managed to get better, but some of them were gone for good. In the book, Conrad struggled with perfection. He tried to be the obedient son, the good student, and eventually everything got to him so much, he felt the only way to escape was to try and kill himself. "An obedient boy. Polite, well mannered. Even in the hospital, with his fingernails bitten to bloody half-moons, the dark circles, bloody bruises under his eyes; always always his behavior was proper" (13). Conrad was strung too tight, fortunately by the end of the book he learned to relax, and not to stress too much about everything. Unfortunately this wasn't true for all the characters. Everyone viewed Conrad's mother, Beth, as perfect. Beth always had to have everything organized, neat. She had to be in control. Everything about her on the outside seems perfect. "Gracious as always, but Cal knows she doesn't like this. She is wearing a white-knit pantsuit, a long-sleeved black blouse, her hair tied back from her face with a black scarf. She does look gorgeous" (64). After her first son Buck died, and her second son Conrad tried to kill himself, she starts to realize that her family is falling apart, but she can't help them. Beth is all about appearance, how she and her family seem to other people. She can't handle talking about major problems, even when they involve the people she loves. Calvin, Conrad's father tries to be helpful to everyone. He is very caring to his son, and tries very hard with his wife Beth. It seems that Cal gives himself away to everyone, making sure his family is ok, but never worried about himself.

An Unhealthy Image Essay

Over the years, models have become skinnier and skinnier, and now most models are just too thin. Being a fashion model went hand-in-hand with being slim, but now being a fashion model goes hand-in-hand with no body fat whatsoever. It took the death of a young adult at a fashion show taking place during Fashion Week for officials in Madrid to finally say ‘No more’ to overly underweight models, and others are being to follow suit. Luisel Ramos was one of Uruguay’s top fashion models at the age of only 22. In preparation for Uruguay’s Fashion Week, she stuck to a strict diet of only lettuce and Diet Coke for about three months leading up to the show. Shortly after exiting the runway during a fashion show, she collapsed backstage trying to fight through a heart attack, but because of the lack of nutrition was unable to win the battle (Phillips). The strict dieting Ramos stuck to left her weighing only 98 pounds. This is the average weight of a 12 or 13 year old standing a little over 5 feet tall, but at a height of almost 5’10, this is alarming (Average Height to Weight Chart). That’s a body mass index, or BMI, of only 14.5! BMI is calculated using a person’s weight in conjunction to their height and is used to categorize a person’s weight to determine if they are underweight, average weight, or overweight. (Healthy Weight: Assessing Your Weight: Body Mass Index (BMI)). According to The World Health Organization, a BMI of 16 is already considered starving, so 14.5 is extremely underweight. To add insult to injury, Lusiel’s 18-year-old sister died the following year for the same contributing reason, malnutrition (Phillips). Australia, along with some European countries, and a few case-by-case fashion shows in the United States have already started banning severely underweight models, but a majority of countries have yet to join the movement. There should be a weight minimum on models because without one the pressure to be thin forces unhealthy dieting and eating disorders, the fashion industry is promoting an unhealthy body image, and because we simply should not be encouraging a sickness. There is definitely an undeniable pressure for models to be thin in the fashion industry. According to Martin J. Tovee, a professor at Newcastle University and one of the conductors of the study â€Å"Supermodels: Stick  Insects or Hourglasses?†, â€Å"model cards provide accurate biometric data on the basis of which the models are hired† meaning to models and designers, numbers are everything (Tovee). Unfortunately, it is usually the lower the numbers, the greater the chance of being picked, putting a great amount of pressure on fashion models to be skinny. But there are a host of health problems that go hand-in-hand with being super skinny. One with an eating disorder will most likely suffer from an irregular heartbeat; sensitivity to cold temperatures; thinning of bones; lowered blood pressure but also a lowered pulse, lowered body temperature, and breathing rates. Lack of proper nutrition can even cause damage to vital organs like the heart, brain, or kidneys (â⠂¬Å"Eating Disorders: Complications†). None of these health problems can and should be taken lightly. After reading a list like this, it’s not surprising that 1 out every 10 eating disorders leads to death (Weltzin). What is shocking, however, that it is said that one of the most common causes of death among those with an eating disorder is not directly related to a physical health problem, but instead the mental aspect of it. It appears that suicide among those with eating disorders is one of the most common causes of death and was confirmed in one of the many studies done titled, Suicide and attempted suicide in eating disorders, obesity and weight-image concern, which is a study completed by the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rome. They have determined that, â€Å"individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa commit suicide more often than their counterparts in the general population; also a few studies have suggested that suicide is the major cause of death among patients with anorexia nervosa, refuting the assumption that inanition generally threatens the life of these patients† (Pompili). Suicide is often a result of pressure or challenges becoming unbearable. These models are literally dying to be ‘beautiful’. Since 2010 alone, there have been seven reported cases of suicide among models as young as 16-years-old (Coles). With a minimum weight requirement put in place, some of the pressure put on by the fashion industry to be too skinny will be taken off of these young models. The fashion industry is crawling with designers and the â€Å"beautiful† people they chose to represent them. Sadly, the fashion industry’s idea of  Ã¢â‚¬Å"beautiful† is unhealthily underweight bodies attached to pretty faces. In many aspects, models are widely respected. They introduce the world to the up-and-coming trends; they show the world different ways to put together outfits; and they make up a small portion of the population who are portrayed as physically â€Å"perfect† and who doesn’t want to be what others think â€Å"perfect† is? For those who feel they are not already beautiful, they look to these models to try and discover how â€Å"beauty† can actually be defined. A few things might stick out to those who look to models for guidance. They might notice the pretty hair, or the seemingly flawless skin, and they may even notice the models’ above average height, but one thing that cannot be looked over: the modelâ₠¬â„¢s weight. Fashion models are all very petite and most are lacking the natural curves of a woman. But models and the fashion industry are promoting this body image as what ‘beauty’ can be defined as. Former Victoria Secret model, Frederique van der Wal, was in awe at the sight of how skinny the models were who strutted down the runway during New York’s Fashion Week in 2006. She commented on the sight by stating, â€Å"This unnatural thinness is a terrible message to send out. The people watching the fashion shows are young, impressionable women† (Hellmich). It can be agreed that the situation is bad when one of their own comments on it. But there is plenty of truth to stand behind what the model is saying. In fact, a professor of psychiatry at Rush Medical College in Chicago and the vice president of the American Psychiatric Association, Nada Stotland agrees, arguing that â€Å"We know seeing super-thin models can play a role in causing anorexia†¦ because many models and actresses are so thin, it makes anorexics think their emaciated bodies are normal† (Hellmich). With this definition of beauty, young people who aspire to be models are doomed. Whether they like it or not, many models and actresses are seen as role models, and many young girls growing up look to models and actresses as such. When females look to some of the models as role models, and see all the glam, glory, and attention that these models are receiving, it only encourages the disorder. Role models should be that: role models. They should be promoting a positive image, both mentally and also physically. However, overly thin models display the exact opposite. They are mentally unhealthy, and it shows physically. What these young people may not know about wanting to be a dangerously underweight model are the health problems  that being dangerously underweight are linked to. In fact, the models that are participating in being dangerously underweight may not know the health problems they may be bringing upon themselves either. However, this is not a suggestion that thin models cause eating disorder in those who look up to them. One of the misconceptions and arguments against applying a weight minimum to modeling is that thin models do not cause eating disorders, it has yet to be proven so this is a valid argument, but on the other hand, it cannot be denied that it could be an attributing factor in some cases. Another argument against weight restrictions, is that if models are seen as role models to others and are being held accountable, then others in the limelight need to be held accountable, also. The flaw in this argument is that ‘others’ are actually being held accountable. Some may considered musical artists a role model. With this said, newly signed rapper, Wiz Khalifa is known for his reference to marijuana in his songs, but is still adored by the younger generation. However, this caught up with him last year when he was arrested for drug position (Miller). Without this minimum weight requirement, these severely underweight models are only being encouraged. The thinner the model, the more work and opportunities that are available to them. Hiring the thinnest models is justified by saying that designers need models that will fit sample clothes. There has been discussion by The Council of Fashion Designers of America about increasing sample clothing sizes but only few have taken the initiative to increase the sample clothing size. Sample clothing is prototype of clothing designers create for a model to wear down the runway, before mass producing. Sample clothing sizes usually range from a size zero to a size two. A former runway model, Valentine Fillol Cordier, explains, â€Å"The measurements have changed – I’d say the perfect hip size now is 10cm less that it was in the 90’s. All the girls have lost on the hips† (Fisher). She then goes on to explain that since she was unable to keep up with changing measureme nts, â€Å"[she] can’t work anymore† (Fisher). The editor of respected fashion magazine, _Vogue_, Alexandra Shulman, sent a letter to major international fashion houses complaining that â€Å"sample sizes sent by designers are now so ‘minuscule’ they force fashion editors to use models  with ‘jutting bones’ and ‘no breasts or hips'† (Fisher). As sample sizes get smaller and smaller, the healthier models find themselves out of work while the unhealthy models get all the glory. By the unhealthier models getting all the glory, it is only reassuring the models that being severely underweight is a good thing, and encouraging other models to get skinnier when in fact is it absurd. The world might wince at the sight of skin and bones walking around, but as long as these models are being used to showcase designers’ apparel and still getting paid, who is going to stop them? Some have finally said enough is enough to severely underweight models. The first ban on overly underweight models took place in 2006 in Madrid. In order to determine what a healthy weight is for a model, fashion shows taking place in Madrid evaluate the Body Mass Index, or BMI, which compares the models’ height to their weight. Any models falling below the â€Å"healthy† weight limit being turned away. The mayor of Milan in Italy, has decided to do the same. She says that the only way that this policy will be overturned is if there is another to keep the models from looking â€Å"sick† (â€Å"Skinny Models Banned from Catwalk†). More recently, Victoria Beckham banned 12 models from her New York fashion show last year. Even though she is quite thin herself, she did not want to keep the trend going by supporting underweight models. Placing a weight minimum on models would not be put in place to discriminate against models and designers, but instead for the welfare of models and the people who look up to them. Without the weight minimum, the fashion industry is promoting an unhealthy body image. They are sending the message to consumers and the people who look towards the models as role models that it is okay to be severely underweight. Not only is the fashion industry negatively impacting others, but it is also negatively impacting the models, themselves. They are killing themselves to be this idea of â€Å"beautiful† that the fashion industry has defined. Just as important, without this minimum weight requirement, this unhealthy lifestyle, this sickness, is being glorified and encouraged, wherein it should not be. Eating disorders are exactly that, illness, and no one should be cheered on for it. Bibliography â€Å"Average Height to Weight Chart.† _Disability News, Information and Resources – Disabled World_. Disabled World, 28 Oct. 2007. Web. 21 Oct. 2011. . Coles, John. â€Å"Aspiring Teenage Model Gabby Joseph Killed by a Train.† _Metro.co.uk_. Metro, 28 Apr. 2011. Web. 22 Oct. 2011. . â€Å"Eating Disorders: Complications.† Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2010. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. . Fisher, Alice, and Caroline Davies. â€Å"Fashion Houses Hit Back In Row Over Who’s To Blame For ‘Size Zero’ Models.† The Guardian. The Observer, 13 June 2009. Web. 30 Oct. 2011. . â€Å"Healthy Weight: Assessing Your Weight: Body Mass Index (BMI).† _Centers for Disease Control and Prevention_. CDC, 13 Sept. 2011. Web. 21 Oct. 2011. . Hellmich, Nanci. â€Å"Do Thin Models Warp Girls’ Body Image?† _Health & Behavior_. USA TODAY, 26 Sept. 2006. Web. 22 Oct. 2011. . Miller, Carlin DeGuerin. â€Å"Wiz Khalifa Arrested: Rapper Bonds Out of Jail in Time for â€Å"Cheese Eggs Pimp† Breakfast – Crimesider – CBS News.† Breaking News Headlines. CBS, 9 Nov. 2010. Web. 28 Jan. 2012. . Phillips, Tom. â€Å"Anna Carolina Reston: The Model Who Starved Herself to Death.† _Latest News, Sport and Comment from the Guardian | The Guardian_. The Guardian, 13 Jan. 2007. Web. 23 Oct. 2011. . Pompili, M, Girardi P, Tatarelli G, Ruberto A, and Tatarelli R. â€Å"Suicide and Attempted Suicide in Eating Disorders, Obesity and Weight-image Concern.† _Eating Behavior_ (2006): 384-94. _NCBI_. NCBI, 23 Jan. 2006. Web. 22 Oct. 2011. . Povoledo, Elisabetta. â€Å"Milan Wants to See More Meat on Models.† _The New York Times – Breaking News, World News & Multimedia_. The New York Times, 15 Sept. 2006. Web. 22 Oct. 2011. . â€Å"Skinny Models Banned from Catwalk.† Featured Articles from CNN. CNN, 13 Sept. 2006. Web. 24 Nov. 2011. . Tovee, Martin J., Suzanne M. Mason, Joanne L. Emery, Sara E. McCluskey, and Esther M. Cohen- Tovee. â€Å"Supermodels: Stick Insects or Hourglasses?† _Supermodels: Stick Insects or Hourglasses?_ 350.9089 (1997): 1474-475. _TheLancet.com_. The Lancet. Web. 22 Oct. 2011. . Weltzin, Theodore E. â€Å"Eating Disorders.† _American Bar Association_. GPsolo Magazine, Oct.- Nov. 2004. Web. 24 Nov. 2011.

Reflection Paper: Organic Foods Essay

Both organic and inorganic foods pose health risks for consumers. While organic foods are often marketed as being naturally grown and inorganic foods being grown with the use of chemicals and pesticides, both types can pose health risks to the humans that consume them. Due to the varying conditions in which organic foods are grown, they can often contain amounts of chemicals and pesticides. For example, many organic farms neighbor inorganic farms where chemicals and pesticides can be easily transferred by insects and wind, causing chemical contamination to the organic foods being grown. In Nancy Sprague’s counterpoint article she makes a valid point in saying that â€Å"the residue of chemicals nitrates and antibiotics cannot be avoided in the natural environment today, as a broad contamination of the earth’s natural resources is a burgeoning threat that even organic production cannot offset. † Some organic foods are often fertilized with a natural fertilizer: animal manure. Feces from any mammal contain various bacteria that can inflict disease, and may also be transferred to the organic foods grown in it. Sprague also points out that although organic food is being marketed as a healthier alternative, the term â€Å"organic† simply means that a farmer has met a set of standards to be labeled as an organic farmer and does not ensure the safety of the foods. Although organic foods may seem a better alternative than inorganic foods, they both have evidence proving contamination. On the other hand, inorganic farming is openly known to use chemicals and pesticides in order to preserve, stop insect and environmental damage, and to more rapidly produce crops. The questions then become how much contamination do the foods from each group contain, what types of contamination are present, and how do the amounts and type of contaminations effect the food content and in turn, human health? To reach my opinion, I had to become more self-aware to realize that my opinion was based on open ended questions versus factual information which forced me to become mpre knowledgeable on the topic. My initial view was in favor of inorganic foods, yet I found factual information that challenged my view, and I became more open-minded carefully evaluating both sides before I reached my opinion. To decide my opinion, I evaluated the information in the overview, point, and counterpoint articles and then compared it to the vague research that I had previously done on organic and inorganic foods. I then questioned my initial views against the information provided in each article and came to the conclusion that both foods have negative qualities that can effect human health. Before reading the point and counterpoint articles, I was for organic food knowing that is was grown without chemicals and pesticides, and that inorganic farming did the opposite. While reading the articles, my opinion started to shift as I began to understand some of the marketing strategies that make organic foods seem healthier than they may actually be. It was difficult to read the counterpoint on organic foods due to my loyalty to the brand, however, there were some truths that I had to recognize which made me rethink my initial position before reading the articles. Looking at both sides of the issue challenged my way of thinking by forcing me outside of my comfort zone which allowed me to step out of choosing one side or the other, but instead recognizing both the good and bad attributes both organic and inorganic foods have. I did change my ethical stance realizing that organic foods are not necessarily healthier as they are also contaminated, leading me to a greater understanding than what I originally had. Information on precisely how and how much they are contaminated was not found. From the authoritative evidence found in Berger’s article, he explained how manure was used to fertilize organically grown crops and that it is considered a â€Å"natural resource†. In today’s society, it is important to make sound ethical decisions as the decisions we make do not only affect us, but also those around us. It is particularly important to be ethical when making decisions about food, as they directly affect a persons’ health, and if the wrong decision is made, it could cost someone’s life. References Sprague, N. (2009). Counterpoint: Organic food is unnecessary & the current food supply is safe. Point of View, 1, 1. Retrieved August 20, 2011, from the Point of View Reference Center database. Griswold, A. (2009). Organic food: overview. Point of View, 1, 1. Retrieved August 21, 2011, from the Point of View Reference Center database. Berger, A. (2009). Point: Organic foods are a healthier alternative. Point of View, 1, 1. Retrieved August 20, 2011, from the Point of View Reference Center database.

The Treaty Of Versailles - Source Based Questions Essays

The Treaty Of Versailles - Source Based Questions Essays The Treaty of Versailles - Source Based Questions a) Many historians have viewed the Treaty of Versailles in varied contexts. Some historians support the German claim that the treaty was extremely harsh towards them while others seem to acknowledge the fact that the Treaty was anything but damaging to the Germans, as the Second World War seems to prove. But the most important aspect to focus on in the answering of this question is the concept of nationalism. Source C is a quotation found in a secondary source in the form of an extract from a speech made by a German MP in 1919. The claim of "inflicting the deepest wounds on us Germans" seems to be supported by Source B. Sources D and E, however, do not share the same viewpoint as the German MP in Source C. The peace treaty that marks the end of any Great War is almost always dictated by the victors; the Treaty of Versailles was no different. Georges Clemenceau of France, Llyod George of Britain and Woodrow Wilson of the USA were the three major players. Clemenceau wanted a harsh Treaty that would cripple Germany both economically and militarily so that she would never be a threat to France again, this aim of his is clearly represented in Clause 160 of Source B. But 100,000 men and 6 battle ships was a mere trifle compared to the extensive armies and rapidly developing technology that the super powers of those days possessed. Germany was left with nothing to defend herself with in case of invasion. Furthermore, the blame for starting the war and all the consequences thereof were fixed on Germany (Article 231). This in many senses was extremely unfair, as all the powers had played a role in the start of the First World War. Woodrow Wilson's 14 points were totally overshadowed by Clemenceau who succeeded in imposing his aims on the Treaty. Therefore I believe that Source B does adequately support the claim made in Source C. However, Sources D and E take a completely opposite viewpoint in comparison to Source B. The writers, imminent historians, argue that the Treaty in actual fact did nothing to diminish German power in any way. As the author of Source E notes: "The Treaty of Versailles was not excessively harsh on Germany, either territorially or economically." Humiliation is always a major part of defeat and defeat was not something that the Germans hoped to conceive in World War 1. They believed that they had to win and dictate terms. The Treaty of Versailles that resulted from their defeat also brought immense humiliation and that strong sense of nationalistic pride. After all, the Treaty was being signed in the very hall that had witnessed the defeat of France in 1871 at the hands of Prussia. This actual defeat that the Treaty of Versailles imposed upon them angered the Germans more than the actual terms of the Treaty. The historian in Source C aptly concludes: "However, the German people were expe cting victory and not defeat. It was the acknowledgement of defeat as much as the treaty terms themselves, which they found so hard to accept." b) The views expressed in Sources C, D and E are very much different. One must take into account several different factors that combine to produce this discrepancy. Firstly, the authors of Sources D and E are historians and possess something that the German MP in Source C doesn't and that is hindsight. They have had the opportunity to study the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles in retrospect and have examined the effects on Germany. They have studied the revival of the German economy and the Second World War. Therefore they are in a better position to judge whether or not the Treaty of Versailles was a crippling blow to Germany. The politician in Source C on the other hand is talking on the spur of the moment. The Treaty of Versailles might have been close to completion and the Treaty terms might have seemed a devastating conclusion. The very vision of impending collapse brought on by the treaty might have caused him to lash out in the way that he does. One

What Is a Safety School How Should You Choose Yours

What Is a Safety School How Should You Choose Yours SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips For those of you who have started researching college admissions, you may have heard of the concept of a â€Å"safety school.† What is a safety school? Simply, a safety school is one in which your odds of getting in are extremely high. Everyone who applies to college should apply to safety schools. Why? You don’t want to risk getting rejected from all the schools you apply to. In this article, I'll define and explain the concept of a safety school. Furthermore, I'll discuss how to identify your safety schools and determine the number of safety schools you should apply to. What Is a Safety School? A safety school is a college that you're almost guaranteed to get into. Your GPA should be well above the average student's at that school and your SAT or ACT score should be above the 75th percentile for that school. I would say you should have at least an 80% chance of gaining admission, based on the numbers, to consider a college a safety school. Also, no college with an admissions rate lower than 15% can ever be considered a safety school. If a college is that selective, regardless of your grades and SAT scores, you can never assume that your odds of admission will be greater than 80%. The most selective schools routinely reject students with perfect grades and standardized test scores. Here's a hypothetical example to illustrate the concept of a safety school. Example Brittany has a 3.75 GPA and received a 680 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and a 700 SAT Math score. She applied to Arizona State University. Is ASU a safety school for her? Yes. The average GPA for ASU is 3.54, and the average SAT scores are 610 for EBRW and 620 for Math. The 75th percentile SAT score is 1350. Additionally, the admissions rate for ASU is 84%. Brittany should feel extremely confident that she'll be admitted to ASU and can use it as a safety school. Brittany's safety school How to Identify Your Safety Schools How do you know which colleges to use as safety schools? Many students will apply to their less competitive in-state public schools as safety schools, especially because in-state public colleges tend to offer lower tuition rates to in-state residents. Also, there are schools that offer guaranteed admission if you reach a certain GPA and SAT/ACT score. Most of these colleges are state schools and the offer extends to in-state residents. There's a guaranteed path to admission for California residents at University of California schools and automatic admission programs in Iowa, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, and Nevada. Research a school's admissions requirements on its website to determine if there's a similar offer at that school. You can refer to popular college rankings lists from sources like US News World Report, Forbes, and Princeton Review and research schools that meet some of the criteria you're looking for in a college.Your standardized test scores should surpass the 75th percentile and your GPA should be above the school’s average to possibly consider a college a safety school. Use PrepScholar tools. If you enter your SAT score here, PrepScholar will automatically give you a list of possible safety schools based on your SAT score. Additionally, you can Google "(name of school) prepscholar admissions requirements" and use the admissions calculator on a school's profile to get a rough idea of your chances of admission. If you have at least an 80% chance according to the calculator, then you can probably categorize the school as a safety school. If you know college students who had qualifications lower than yours, you can research the colleges they’re attending and see if you can use any of those schools as your safety schools as well. Keep in mind that your GPA and SAT scores are only two components that determine whether you’re accepted to a school. Your extracurricular activities, recommendations, essays, and background also play a role when your application is evaluated. However, GPA and SAT/ACT scores are the most important factors and they’re the most objective available statistics. If your GPA and standardized test scores are much higher than those of the typical applicant, then other components of your application can be weaker and you'll still likely gain admission. How Many Safety Schools Should You Apply to? There's no set number of safety schools that you should apply to, but make sure you're open to attending the schools you're applying to. It's a waste of time to apply to a school that you would never attend. The college application process can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you apply to schools that don't use the Common Application. Generally, I recommend applying to 1/3 safety schools. If you apply to ten schools, at least three should be considered safety schools. You want to give yourself some options from the schools that are very likely to admit you. Then, 1/3 of the schools you apply to can be reach schools, schools that are likely to reject you based on your qualifications or their extremely low acceptance rates. The remaining 1/3 of schools you apply to can be target schools, schools that offer you about a 30%-80% chance of admission. Some students decide to apply to a higher percentage of reach schools because they're more interested in going to those schools and are hopeful that they'll get into one. The most important thing is to apply to at least a couple of safety schools to ensure that you'll have multiple options during the college selection process. Give yourself options! Quick Review A safety school is a college to which you have an extremely good chance of gaining admission (above 80%). You can safely assume you'll be accepted. Identify possible safety schools by consulting websites, ranking lists, and friends. Consider in-state public colleges that are safety school options. Use the admissions calculator on the PrepScholar database to determine if a particular school could be a safety school. Find out if there are any schools to which you qualify for automatic admission. Apply to about 1/3 safety schools. Ensure that you have options. What's Next? If you're about to start the application process, learn how to write about extracurriculars on your college applications. Also, check out this post if you have a high GPA but low SAT score. Finally, as you're considering your college options, read about whether you should consider going to college out of state. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: