Ok so I’m a little confused as to the Wysocki style- and by Text of choice – So I’m doing mine as a practice. – I chose a website I have read several times, I’m interested in , I myself have used it to practice on ( if you read my posts you’ll notice lol) and it has a lot of different styles, and images on it I can use to both analyze like Wysocvki doers or I can incorporate into my post – again like Wysocki does.
So Analysis –
This is a Cite that reviews and talks about Celtic music. New and old. The feature is the Review on The California Celts debut self- titled CD.
The over-all feel of the blog and feature is kind of Eclectic as there are several – not really inconsistencies but contradictions… in example – the site itself feels vibrant and fun. The music playing is a little hard core and intense… almost angry sometimes. And the prose of the writer doing the review is Harsh but intelligent. Its Very well written, this author clearly knows this genera of music very well. His writing style is short, quick and to the point, but he makes clear associations, gives examples, and makes it clear he’s done the research to back up his claims. An example of this is his response to my comment about raggamuffin VS ragamuffin music.
The Site Feels –
The head title is large concise and in green.
The background is of lush vibrant green shamrocks with black boxes behind the white main text. Its good that they chose to put the solid black behind the text rather than the shamrocks or it would be much more difficult to read. As it is the type is very small and written in Arial. I wonder if using a different text would have made it easier to read- or perhaps adding space a double space in-between letters. Links are embedded in the text and are red while other seemingly important names or information is only bolded. Since the text is small and in an unconventional color its hard to notice the bold lettering. The links to other pages are in green and located to the left of the main text. The color is so elaborate and vibrant its difficult to take the site seriously until one starts reading the text.
Most of the ethos is built in the writing of the author.
The images are kept minimal – there’s the image of the cover to the CD
and the logo of the organization providing the review.
(Leprechaun Or Monkey? YOU decide!!)
I think the character is supposed to be a leprechaun but he looks more like a stoned monkey. – so perhaps a better image. The look of the article text itself is very well broken up into min paragraphs which makes it easier to read. - Also I’m sad the author didn’t provide sources or a clearer analogy between the artists. He assumes that the reader already knows who “Ashley Hutchings” is or what raggamuffin style is. This leads to confusion for readers as posted comments clearly show.
I’m glad that the site chooses to allow comments, and indeed responds to them, it shows recent activity and care for the page.
The margins are a little offset but this provides interest and makes the center main text POP rather than letting the background image being distracted. Theres no moving parts on the screen except for the sound.
Again the music plaid is Eclectic going from Celtic that would be associated with “Flogging Molley” as well as Celtic Angry Punk.
The Celtic theme is consistent. With the colors, music, and images.
Check out the site here :)
http://celticfolkpunk.blogspot.com/2010/12/review-california-celts-st-2010.html
Works Cited :
Kinksmarkham. “REVIEW - THE CALIFORNIA CELTS - "s/t" (2010).” Blog-Zine: Celtic-Folk-Punk. Blogger.com. Web. Feb. 23, 2011.
My question for the draft is "If the student has children where do they stay, do they stay in the dormatory, or do they have seperate arrangements for them?"
I chose this question because when I went for my orientation I remember Dee Dee saying that a young lady who had three children had just graduated and had a job in Welding. The whole time I was thinking where would the children stay and if they went to school how did they get there. Hopefull this won't be a short question and I can extended it into something good.
Okay I know this has taken me forever to get this posted but hey better late than never! I'm really worried about whether my question is too narrow or to broad.
My question is how many of the students that make it through the Job Corps program go on to college or some sort of higher education. I think that this would be extremely interesting to find out because it could show how many people, with help from Job Corps, can turn their lives around and become successful with a higher education. I feel that this topic could become to broad depending on how in depth you get. You could talk about which type of college they go to whether it is a University or a community college. You could also talk about how they are paying their way through college. There is also the topic about whether they make it through higher education or whether they drop out due to money problems or not good enough grades.
I also think that this topic could be too narrow and be summed up in a couple of sentences.
Ok for my question I want to do is: Can more computers help the people at Job Corps and lessen the time for them to be there?
I choose this question because I personally love computers and they help me with my learning immensely. When I went in for orientation I asked if they used a lot of computers. I was told that they weren't unless it was for a skill that they take. This question was the first that came into my mind. I am not to sure if that is what is wanted for the assignment, but I really think that technology helps with just about everything. And since in our time computers are becoming more of a must know, I think learning to type should be in the program.
For my research topic I am very interested in working on the personal communication of students at job corps. In the emails Dee Dee and I have exchanged she has expressed her opinion, that because of my background, I would be a strong fit for a one on one mentor for students to express their problems, disappointments, or just be someone to talk to. I want to dive deeper into this topic and attempt to see if there is a link between having a rough upbringing and poor communication skills. This is something I am very passionate about, I myself had struggles in my youth and if I can help even one person to overcome their troubles and build towards a better life I will be extremely pleased with this project. As time continues and I progress with my service learning hours I would like to connect deeply with one student for this project. Preferably someone that has similar problems as myself. So I can compare their personality and communication skills to my own. I believe this tactic will help me successfully make the research paper narrowly focused enough. I am extremely excited to start the service learning project and learn more about the students of job corps and myself.
I'm not sure exactly how to do this - is it one question or can we have a few?
Anyway as you know my questions focus on Communication. So Whala!
Does learning to comunicate become harder as one gets older? For instance take the children who did not lerarn early on and must now learn in there late teens, is this process harder for them?
Teaching Communication/ social skills in tutoring sessions. Which is more effective a small group or a one on one?
What communication areas do the specific students at Job corps lack? - How can these be truely attended to while still in a limmited social setting of for more or less students with the same communication gaps?
How does communication effect mental well - being? - can I see examples of this in those who I speak with and mentor?
umm.. so theres a few. I hope those are narrowed enough.
I'ts the Good in the world that we need to nurture.
Reflections … the very word conjure the pictures of one’s own image reflected within the surface of some shimmering pool, or polished silver. When reflection is discussed it’s a positive thing, one which shows the nature of the person or inner essence. What if when one is staring into their image, their thoughts-their souls, instead of seeing beauty- they see the beast?
At the beginning of this semester, when the discussion of Service Learning came, I was worried, truly worried. I have a strong belief that the people who these programs help don’t deserve it. They are filthy, lying, and thieving persons.All of my past experiences have created and tempered this opinion. Not only that… but a feeling of spite. I have worked so hard and given so much to everyone around me yet I am still left with nothing. No help no aid. Even the government has deemed me too poor to deserve food stamps. I’m a productive member of Society who has paid taxes, voted, and even tried to be an active member in the community. And yet I’m spat on while these people who are happy ling in their squalor are treated as though they deserve more. That somehow they are worth more than I am. Why? Why would they possibly be worth more – what have they done that I haven’t.
This has been my secret shame. I have become someone who judgers solely on appearances’ or assumptions. I harbor such hatred, jealousy and spite for people I’ve never known. While looking for sources for my bibliographies- I tried to find the sources that spoke of how the community sees these people. I wanted to find a source that would prove to me that these people didn’t deserve my wrath. I thought that if I could just find one thing… to hold to- some evidence that the community isn’t casting pearls before swine, then I’d be rid of this anger. I never found what I was looking for. Ironically what I needed was there in my sources the whole time, but I couldn’t see it. It wasn’t until I applied a real lens to these sources- to the situation that I could see anything.
David Rossenwasser and Jill Stephan talk about lenses in writing analytically Ch 13 and 14. There’s a great deal about incorporating sources and seeing with the Lens of your source while working with other material. However I think they left out an extremely crucial point.
Unfortunately the writing in my sources wasn’t enough for me to see anything in them except what I wanted to see. While I was looking for the reasons to care about these people, this project, the writing didn’t affect me. It just went through one eye and out the other. It wasn’t until I listened that I saw. We’ve been talking about entering the Academic Conversation...and about writing to continue the conversation rather than to end it. So this is my contribution to the conversation. Writing… as factual and as technically sound as it could possibly be, has no effect unless it can really touch someone, until it can be applied. This effect is what the lens does. My sources were slightly worthless until I could really open my eyes and see what other information was there. But the lenses themselves need to inspire, need to be powerful enough to change your thought process. And I do not believe they need to be written words to achieve this.
The lens that has worked for me is not piece of writing. It is this song. “Peace Love and Good Tidings”. This song when I hear it has the ability to melt through all of my anger and hatred. It makes me believe that there’s still a future that there really is good in this world. It is that good which we have to nurture. My own hatred was blinding me and it wasn’t until I could break through it for a little while that the messages could shine through.
That’s what the Lens – means. – At first I thought it just meant it was a way of conversing one writer with another or a way of telling people that read your work: Writer A believes this and Writer B believes this, so make up your own decision. It’s not. Using the “lens” is like – walking in that person’s shoes. It’s something that literally makes your brain think in a different way. When your brain is working in a different way the material is different. It’s an extremely different concept to communicate and write. How do you put into words what it’s like to be blind then see?
These first few weeks of the semester have been eye opening on many levels. I always knew I had issues with Source Citation, but I never really understood why it mattered. As long as we say the Author, name of book or article, and publish date, why are all of the extras so important? I guess, I still don’t really know the why of it (the technical parts), however I do have a better understanding of its importance. I would be very upset if someone stold lyrics from Chrise’s music, and didn’t give him credit, also the academic conversation is important. Its our personal views and ingenious epiphanies on material and views, which we can trace back to ancient Aristotle. Being a part of that is awe-inspiring and special, so having those ideas stolen is an awful crime. The technical aspects of citation are daunting, but being a part of the conversation is such a wonderful thought, that it’s worth the toil.
In forwarding and countering the Author talks about forwarding on the conversation, so that the conversation can grow, I hope that this reflective essay is a forward and starts others to think about their lenses in creative ways. Our class gives us the ability to combine media with prose. I believe anything can be a lens to your sources. Not just more writing. In my experience it was a song. In essence this new lens has changed even this essay. Instead of another I felt this now I feel this – it’s become an effort to try and communicate how powerful these lenses can be and what it really means. As I’ve said the concept is extremely difficult to explain. I think it’s something that must be experienced to be understood.
My lense “ Peace Love and Good tidings” has completely changed .. my sources for me. For instance the sources talked about changing the education system. And I took from that a feeling of… responsibility for our people. Keeping Jobs in the U.S.A. is tied to Education which is tied top our poor and middle class which connects back to jobs. It’s a cycle. But seeing through my lens, with love in my heart rather than anger, I see that I think these sources are trying to say that these people are in essence children. They are the people who fell through the cracks in the beginning and who need to be taught as a child would.
Ironically it seems that the reason I despise these people IS the reason why we should care. My view is that people are responsible for themselves. I have been left to claw for everything I have. I’m lonely and hungry and my living arrangements are shaky at best. The only thing that keeps me going is this belief that hard work pays off. That if you strive you can reach greatness. I’m angry because I view these people as standing around holding a sign doing nothing but facing the wind.
And statistically they make more at THIS then I have made at my last three jobs put together. I think of the man who walked up to me and asked to have a little bit of money for medicine… then he walked into a parking lot put his things in the trunk of his Mercedes Benze and drove away. While I felt my stomach grumble.
And while there are those people in this world, perhaps the people at Job Corps are not these people.
When I went and spoke with Dee, she talked about how each member there had to be screened, and that each one wants to be there. These are the people that can barely read. They are the “children” that our community – if America can even say it has communities anymore- abandoned. These people are striving to become educated and work in a field that will pay them enough to support themselves. In essence they are the people that aren’t satisfied with their situations, they are actively shaping and trying to change. They are fighting, clawing, like me to get to a better future. – They just have more help than I do.
Which… I hope my opinions change… but unfortunately changing ones prejudices is a very difficult thing to do. So hopefully I will continue to find the lenses that affect my views of the world. I hope that my experiences with these people will be my lens for others like them. I think to do that though- I need to check my hatred at the door, and to do that I need to find some commonality. Or maybe I’ll need to literally take a breath and count to 10 million. When I walk to job corps, I feel like I’m walking into a military prison. And Dee affirms this sensation when she mentioned that the people there could not leave of their own volition. What kind of strength or desire to become educated, and have a job, that one is willing to give up their freedom? – If nothing else that one point deserves my respect.
“Nothing to say, Nothing to do, same old me, and it’s the same old you. In light of things goin on, always room for another song. Life is short its moving fast,
In no time at all we’ll be in the past….and if we’re lucky we’ll live on through the memories and through the songs. So live it up, lets get along, sing together like birds in song, look at we, honoring, peace and love and good tidings.” (Poland, Christopher)
Wrks Cited
Apollo 12 astronauts. “Eclipse of the Sun by Earth”. Photograph. Web. 18 Feb. 2011 http://www.bibalex.org/eclipse2006/MoonEclipse.htm
CLAMP.”Card Captor Sakura.” Manga Inking. Web. 18 Feb. 2011. http://connect.in.com/card-captor-sakura-manga/images-sakura-card-captor-sakura-card-captor-kura8-photos-club-ados--1-525212851823.html
David Rossenwasser and Jill Stephen. Writing Analytically. Place of Publication unknown: Cengage Learning, Jan 2008. Print and PDF
Paul. No Name. Web. 18 Feb. 2011. http://lifeinasack.net/2010/07/09/facing-an-uncomfortable-reality-beggars/
Poland, Christopher. “Peace Love And Good Tidings” . Chris Poland, IMR. Music Video.
Bibliography 3
The National Center On Education And The Economy. Touch Choices OR Touch TimesThe Report Oh The New Commission On The Skills Of The American Workforce. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2008. Print.
The new report compiled by The National Center on Education and the Economy focuses mainly on proposing an in depth plan to radically change the education system. The Emphasis of this report shows that our eligible work force starts in education. In the new world wide market we have and are continuing to grow, only individuals with a strong education and creative ability will be desirable at top dollar. Currently many other countries offer not only lower wage workers but better educated ones. The plan also has a section dedicated to the alleviation of the problems in education our poor endure.
This source uses simple language throughout the format. The format and visual lay out of the text itself adds to its credibility. It’s designed rather than simply typed. The extra care shows and ads to its quality. The text, charts, graphs and components are larger for increased readability. The information provided uses a lot of data, but since the language is simpler its incorporated better and is more powerful. The larger print also makes it an easier read. Going through several pages is much easier to endure when the print is larger. 10 pages in 10 minutes rather than 6 hours, and the information is still comparable, it really makes a difference.
Education today is failing. It’s failing the students, the community, and the country. All parts of a community are interconnected, like a spider web when one area breaks down it affects the other. This source talks about the world economy and market of jobs, how workers are already competing with workers from across the globe for their lively hood. America prides itself on being a leader of nations, yet its becoming evident very quickly that America has failed to adapt with times and changes. The old adage – If it’s not broke don’t fix it seems to be the motto of America, and yet it’s proving to be false. We are trapped in the “ford” style of assembly line workers. Change starts with education. The current style of education, and work force is outdated, it squashes the great creativity of our students and inhibits our innovation. Earlier there were concerns about the innovation of other countries being halted, due to a differing style of education. However our Education system is in fact systematically destroying creativity by cutting the arts programs. A massive overhaul of education seems daunting, and it is, but nothing worth achieving come easily. To be a powerful leader of nations America must first heal its inner workings, and be willing to take powerful steps toward change. Great leaders are formed, judged, and remembered for their great decisions.
The information is there, available in texts, online, even broadcast fields so why is change not happening yet? That’s one of the big questions I have for this book, it doesn’t really address who’s not listening. The book itself seems to be communicating to the everyday worker, it’s as though the writers are trying to reach the public more than the senators, or government. As they use a much simpler design, larger print, and a pleasing format. Why do this if its not intended to be read by a student, or perhaps a lower educated worker, rather than a highly educated lawyer or law maker.
Bibliography 2
National Center On Education And The Economy. America’s Choice: high skills or low wages!. New York: The National Center On Education And The Economy,1990. Print.
In June of 1990 The National Center On Education And The Economy compiled and published in depth report. Within this report there’s a section which solely addresses the education system and its impact with employment, and the workforce. The details range from how America spends little funds to help lower income children succeed, the gains schools receive when students drop out, and the views employers have about recent graduates.
The language is a bit jargon-y and there is no praise given to the current education system. Pointing out the gaps and critics of any argument is commendable, but surely there’s something of merit to the opposition. These authors however do not address anything of praise to the system. Their Ethos is created from their use of statistics, data, graphs and multiple contributors of information. The combination of the visual element to the text is very effective. The language use also belies their love of the European graduate. There is strong respect given in undertones to the apprenticeship programs and education level of Europe, though not explicitly stated. There’s also a fair bit of historical information. This is used not only as background info but also as the source of today’s conflict.
I do agree mostly with this source, I see firsthand how income levels effect education. One of the beginning sections states how schools divide children early on into those who will succeed and continue on to college and those who have low ability and will probably be nothing more than a lowly labor worker. This problem stems from two places, Americas history and Americas beliefs. The first is historical and is about the first incredibly successful and cost effective job force related inventions we had in America. The Assembly line. In this style of work, workers didn’t really need any education; they simply knew one aspect of the part of the project they worked on. No front line worker knew the entire extent of the product, and it wasn’t nessecary to. A worker with an 8th grade education could easily do the job well. This style focused on the foremen to watch over the workers. The next is from Americas Beliefs. “More than any other country in the world, the United States believes that natural ability, rather than effort, explains achievement” So in this system the Children who were determined low level education – didn’t really need to be pushed to become a stronger student. The children, who are deemed college- bound and usually came from wealthier classes, were given the most attention and are pushed further. This still happens in America today. Understanding the historical significance and the roots to the problem may be the keys to fixing today’s problems. I still feel there is nothing wrong with providing greater attention to the college bound, but it is clear that the public Education system need to be brought to par. Today its treated as a type of Baby-sitter, a place for children to semi mature while waiting for college, and little more.
This source brings several questions to my mind. I wonder if the European markets are a bit stagnant, and free of creativity. What kind of help is Job corps providing really? Is it a transition step from high school to low paying labor, or is it an opportunity for a real education for the less fortunate. A surprising statement made by this source is that “More than any other country in the world, the United States believes that natural ability, rather than effort, explains achievement” I’m curious as to how they found this bit of information out. This report was written in the 1990’s causing the obvious questions of what’s changed since then, and how. One eerie part of this source is that there’s a very strong prediction made- that if America continues on its path- then there will be lower wages. Now in 2011 This prediction has rung true, we’ve seen out sourcing, people being replaced by automated machines, and now more than ever employers view their workforce as expendable, and so the wages have dropped. The National minimum wage amount may have risen, but this has only created more layoffs and fewer well- paying jobs, with benefits, or pensions. The amount of 8.50 an hour- is not a livable wage even in a full time aspect, and most jobs are part-time.
Bibliography 1
Lake, Ted.” Job Corps as of today”. Arizona Silver Belt, Arizona Silver Belt, Jan. 19th. 2011, E-Edition and Print., Jan. 30th. 2011.
David Rossenwasser and Jill Stephen. Writing Analytically. Place of Publication unknown: Cengage Learning, Jan 2008. Print and PDF.
Ted Lake states that currently the fully federally funded Job Corps program is working with over 100,000 students at 124 centers around the nation. Most of these centers are being operated by private companies. Only a few are operated by the governments. Those who wish to enroll in the program must meet its eligibility standards consisting of Age, income, and life style standards.
While most of the article is general information about the current state and enrollment of the Job Corps program, Mr. Lake also makes an odd connection. He states that the Utah –based Management and Training Corporation is the labor department’s most respected contractor who operates 20 centers based in various states, and also mentions that this same company operates around 20 private correctional prisons.
While applying a “Lens” to a reading one should look for what strikes the reader as “interesting or strange” another good option is to infer questions about the implicit meanings that the author of a piece has given. (Rossenwasser) Using these tools and ideas a question arises. Why mention correctional prisons being operated by the same company? This leads me to believe that he is pointing out an underlying stereotype help by most of middle class America. That- programs like Job – Corps caters to criminals and the less savory class of American society. Of course one can’t print such things in the news so this is mentioned “between the lines”.
While this source unfortunately was incomplete I still see it as a magnificent stepping stone into the realm of Job Corps and the community. The point that there is a link to those who run prisons and those who run Job Corps is tantalizing. Is it a happenstance or is there real correlation? If there’s no real correlation, for instance it’s a coincidence then there must be such social stigma attached with these programs, that its seen as important. Further research is needed to understand the community’s real views on Job Corps. For instance the Job corps in Nampa is placed far from the community and secluded, is this because the community ostracizes them?
Monday, February 14, 2011
First stepping into this class I was a little nervous, and also excited to advance my knowledge in English and writing at a collegiate level. At that point in time I felt I had a mediocre understanding on the concepts and base fundamentals of source citing and writing academically but knew there was room for growth. How much growth? I didn’t know. That was the questioning bouncing around in the back of my head. Academic writing and source citing have always been something I felt I struggled in, so I was eager to learn more about the topic, its proper techniques, and grasp a more in depth analysis of it. My perspective on academic writing had been that it should be extremely straight forward, fact filled, and to the point. Strong quotes from the author should be found throughout the work, and little or no emotional input from the writer. To say the least I believed it to be very dull and lacking intellectually creativity. It was a form of writing that I did not enjoy or was even remotely interested in, but knew it was extremely important to my academic success. Although I struggled at times I felt I had the mechanics for the process of academic writing strongly embedded in my work. I knew how to find sources and site them correctly, but I was an extremely conservative writer, and had just begun to scratch the surface of my understanding for this form of writing. I can still remember my first research paper in sixth grade. Every student was assigned a historical figure, and had to write a three to five page paper about them. I was lucky enough to get Baby Face Nelson. I have always been fascinated with the early 1900’s and the bank robbing outlaws that accompanied that time period I felt it would be an easy and fun assignment for me. As we began to learn about citations and using sources I struggled. I can recall my hard nose teacher reviewing my paper and shaking his head through its entirety. The fact was I had plagiarized most of my paper directly from the source. I couldn’t remember him ever discussing plagiarism in class. (Maybe I was sick that day) I had no idea what it was or the fact that it was illegal. As he handed back my paper and said the entire thing needed to be changed, my heart sank. All the time I had spent, which in those days a few hours then seemed like an eternity, had been a waste of time. That was my first academic disappointment but also my first constructive criticism. Prior to this English 102 a large extent of my experience in academic writing came solely from my senior project. Although it was a very extensive assignment, it only dealt with the basics of academic writing. As we started class a few weeks ago and began to dive into the readings, I found myself very lost and felt I didn’t have an adequate base for the course. Fortunately as we continued I became more confident in my abilities. Completing Extended Bibliography number one was a real eye opener. I had never completed a piece of work quite like this, and after reviewing fellow group member’s work and receiving reflections on my own. I had realized much of what I had been taught was incorrect. My format for sourcing articles was wrong, and I had to fall back on the Owl Purdue web site to recognize my flaws and correct them. This was a simple transition and an easy mistake to correct. Comparing my work to class mates are summarizes and analysis were very similar, but the work differed in the reflections. They really seemed to dig into the article, asking questions and providing personal input, changes and improvements that could be made. My reflection was very brief and simple compared to others. Destiny really helped me understand this. In her group reflection on my bibliography she stated “I wanted to ask you how you felt about your article. In our reading (Writing Analytically) it suggests finding things in the article you find strange or interesting”. This was a strong point I had missed while reading. I know understood the differences in are reflections. The suggestion to find strange things in the article to reflect on really stuck out to me. Instead of just reviewing the important points in an article I know want to strive to find the strange things, and question them. This is a strategy I believe will help me write more interesting research papers that the reader will enjoy and in turn be able to pull more information from. My preexisting tactic to finding sources was typing my topic into Google or another search engine, and choosing the website or article with the most text. Having mass amounts of information, allowed me to have many different points to choose from while writing my paper. The class readings of (Writing Analytically) has a very strong point, about choosing the best source for your topic and states something I had not noticed I even did before reading the text. It states “If a person agrees with what a source says, they say it's good, and they cut and paste the part they can use as an answer. If the source somehow disagrees with what they already believe, they say it's bad, and they attack it or along with readings they find it hard or boring and discard it” The information I have received from in class discussions along with this statement have completely changed the way I find sources, and the process I go through to analyze one. I now use the databases talked about in class to locate sources and then choose articles that have a different perspective then me. This helps make for a more interesting read, As a writer you can argue your beliefs back in forth with the statements from the source. This class has helped me so much with academic writing. The course work has been tailored just right for me to become educated as possible in the subject. Readings can be difficult to understand the first time through but after completing the work and discussing topics in class the main points become clear and push me to grow as a writer. This entire unit has complicated my understanding not only of academic writing but of English as a whole. Which has forced me to grow and learn as a student. (sorry richard It wouldent let me tab)
Deisher, R.W., Hammar, S.L., Ramsey, Otis, Gode, Richard, and Seligman, Fred. "Physical, Intellectual, and Educational Characteristics of a Sample of Job Corps Trainees." Pediatrics. (Oct. 1967): Academic Search Premiere. EDSCO. Web. 4 Feb 2011.
This article is about the health of a group of young men before they entered the Job Corps program and during the program itself. It talked about how only 36% of the tested men had had regular dental care and only 14% were under the care of a private physician. It also states that only 24% of the group sought dental help for tooth extractions or other forms of help but no restorations.
By the way this article was written it sounds like it mostly talks about the care of the boys prior to them entering the Job Corps program. Most of the information was about their physical states before they entered the program and then a little part of it said the educational levels the young men were at before they entered the program.
I think this article focused too much on the state of the boys before they entered the program and not enough on how the young men improved or got worse during their time at Job Corps.
Some questions I have is how did each of the men improve or worsen while at Job Corps? What has Job Corps learned from this trial?
Fred Seligman, et al. "PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND EDUCATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A SAMPLE OF JOB CORPS TRAINEES." Pediatrics 40.4 (1967): 603. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 4 Feb. 2011. In this article the authors talk about how Job Corps wanted to know how the students health was before they entered the program. They ran many different test on “ 24 Negroes, 19 Caucasians, 2 Puerto Ricans, and 5 of Mexican extraction” who were all men. They went through a eight category neurological assessment which were, “(1)mental state; (2)language function; (3)head,neck, and spine; (4) cranial; (5) station and gait; (6) motor function; (7) reflexes; and (8) sensation”. Many of the subjects in the study were found to have come from disrupted families and some had problems with their weight whether it was being obese or underweight. The authors wanted to emphasize the importance of health care and that these young adults that enter the program really need it. They either come from a very poor family or they were just malnourished while growing up. While reading this article I could not believe that a lot of the subjects that were used in this study were either living with one of their parents or had other living arrangements because they did not get along with their parents. Its sad to think that things can get this bad. I feel that the authors were in the right of doing this study and I am glad that there is a place like Job Corps helping out these unfortunate young adults. This article just shows that health care is extremely important and necessary to have. There is one questions I would like to ask and that would be “Why did they only do they study on men and not women?”
Avery, Kevin T., James E. Moore, and Betty L. Berry. "On-Center vs Off-Center Dental Care for Job Corps Members: Cost and Utilization." American Journal of Public Health 70.12 (1980): 1294-1296. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 4 Feb. 2011. This article discusses the focus Job Corps had with finding their employees and students dental care. Job Corps was aiming to have their dental care be through one of their programs but found it to be more expensive then going through a different dental company. They liked the fact that if they had their dental care on site it would be more convenient than having it off site. The company ended up opening up two clinics through the Job Corps Health Program Guide to test out their dental care and health services. In the end the program was a success due to the fact that, “ transportation difficulties are eliminated, waiting time is reduced, record keeping is facilitated, and communication between the dentist and those responsible for the administration of the program is more efficient”. I enjoyed reading this article because you could tell the authors understood what he was talking about. They provided plenty of statistics and tables to go with their research. I also liked that Job Corps was trying to save money while providing their employees and students with the best care they could get. In this economy good health care is hard to find and the fact that a company is concerned about making sure they have their employees and students cared for was quite impressing. More companies need to take this same approach and make sure that their staff is cared for. Some questions I would ask would be, “Is this care center open to everyone or just the employees and students of Job Corps?” and “If it is available to others do they have to pay more for the care?”
Bona, Linda. "Head Start and Job Corps Break New Ground", Children Today vol. 19, issue 3 (1990): Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 4 Feb 2011.
This article is about a Job Corps in San Diego, California that is finishing a new Head Start facility next to the Job Corps facility. The article basically describes the new Head Start facility and the fact that even some of the Job Corps students are helping build the facility; even some of the Job Corps students have children enrolled in the Head Start program. Linda Bona makes it obvious that she thinks that this will be very beneficial to the children by ending the article with the statement, "In an environment of learning, caring, striving, and 'doing', the young children at this site are getting a Head Start in life that will truly make a difference."
Bona's argument is basically that since the Head Start is being built right next to Job Corps it will be better for the children to see young adults learning and striving for a better future. Also, it is a lot easier for some of the Job Corps students who have children in the Head Start program so easily accessible to their own program. Bona is saying that the students at Job Corps are able to participate and interact with the children at Head Start which is going to create a better environment for everyone participating.
I would definitely have to agree with Bona that this is a great idea to have the Head Start and Job Corps so close to each other so they can grow and learn off of one another. Some of the things that Bona was saying such as the fact that this might be the most successful facilities and that others will soon follow in their footsteps has me skeptical. I think that in some places it would be too risky to have young adults so close to children. Also, not every state or city is going to have the success that San Diego did. Another predicament is that in certain places Job Corps and Head Start already have facilities built in separate places and it would be too expensive to rebuild closer to one another.
Some questions that arose in my mind while I read this article was: Would there be any danger to the children in the Head Start program? What if the two facilities were moved to be closer to each other such as the one in San Diego and it became too inconvenient for students and children to attend the programs? Could this possibly influence the enrollment in the programs?
The National Center On Education And The Economy. Touch Choices OR Touch TimesThe Report Oh The New Commission On The Skills Of The American Workforce. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2008. Print.
The new report compiled by The National Center on Education and the Economy focuses mainly on proposing an in depth plan to radically change the education system. The Emphasis of this report shows that our eligible work force starts in education. In the new world wide market we have and are continuing to grow, only individuals with a strong education and creative ability will be desirable at top dollar. Currently many other countries offer not only lower wage workers but better educated ones. The plan also has a section dedicated to the alleviation of the problems in education our poor endure.
This source uses much simpler language throughout the format. The format and visual lay out of the text itself somehow adds to its credibility. Its designed rather than simply typed. The extra care shows and ads to its quality. The text, charts, graphs and components are larger for increased readability. The information provided still uses a lot of data, but since the language is simpler its incorporated better and is more powerful. The larger print also makes it an easier read. Going through several pages is much easier to endure when the print is larger. 10 pages in 10 minutes rather than 6 hours, and the information is still comparable really makes a difference.
One of my earlier questions from the last source was one of innovation. That question is addressed in the abstract and creativity need for future employees. Most of our society in America puts a much stronger emphasis on analytical thought. Right brain Vs Left brain, the evidence of this can be seen when schools have budget constraints and they choose to cut the arts first. These classes are the classes that nurture and grow creativity; which according to this source is going to be sorely needed.
The make a great point that says the workers that are in the job force right now will also be our workforce in 20 years from now. Will they be able to compete? Our Education system still is lacking and even if we reform today expecting to reach those older workers is a little far fetched. How about Job Corps? Do they try to train the creativity aspect in their students? Job corps to me at times feels like more of an apprenticed stepping stone from school into work. But are they training these students for high paying positions, or merely low level labor? Which will continue to keep the lower class in the lowerclass? Though I suppose it should also be mentioned it’s a better out let than prison.
National Center On Education And The Economy. America’s Choice: high skills or low wages!. New York: The National Center On Education And The Economy,1990. Print.
In June of 1990 The National Center On Education And The Economy compiled and published in depth report. Within this report there’s a section which solely addresses the education system and its impact with employment, and the workforce. The details range from how America spends little funds to help lower income children succeed, the gains schools receive when students drop out, and the views employers have about recent graduates.
Some of the included information is very surprising. The language is a bit jargon-y and there is no praise given to the current education system. Pointing out the gaps and critics of any argument is commendable, but surely there’s something of merit to the opposition. These authors however do not address anything of praise to the system. Their Ethos is created from their use of statistics, data, graphs and multiple contributors of information. The combination of the visual element to the text is very effective. The language use also belies their love of the European graduate. There is strong respect given in undertones to the apprenticeship programs and education level of Europe, though not explicitly stated.
Most of the information from this source caught me unawares! I do agree mostly with this source, I see first hand how income levels effect education. One of the beginning sections states how schools divide children early on into those who will succeed and continue on to college and those who have low ability and will probably be nothing more than a lowly labor worker. The children who are deemed college- bound usually come from wealthier classes, and are given the most attention and are pushed further. The other group is encouraged to not be pushed very hard, and to achieve only minimal standards. This they continue to do all of their lives. Ironically the schools actually benefit from drop outs. I do agree that schools need to give a stronger amount of help to those from low income families. I also believe that we should have something in place to help transition students who do not wish to – or who can not afford to go to college can enter the work place. Though I disagree with the notion that it’s wrong to emphasize attention on to college bound students. I believe that striving for a better education is something that creates innovation and drive. If it became some kind of … required application, it would be less appreciated. I believe the quality of the education would lesson.
This source brings several questions to my mind. If Europe has much better education systems then why do more people strive to come to the U.S.? I have to wonder if the European markets are a bit stagnant, and free of creativity. What kind of help is Job corps providing really? Is it a transition step from high school to low paying labor, or is it an opportunity for a real education for the less fortunate. A surprising statement made by this source is that “More than any other country in the world, the United States believes that natural ability, rather than effort, explains achievement” I’m curious as to how they found this bit of information out. This report was written in the 1990’s causing the obvious questions of what’s changed since then, and how. One eerie part of this source is that there’s a very strong prediction made- that if America continues on its path- then there will be lower wages. Now in 2011 This prediction has rung true, we’ve seen out sourcing, people being replaced by automated machines, and now more than ever employers view their workforce as expendable, and so the wages have dropped. The National minimum wage amount may have risen, but this has only created more layoffs and fewer well- paying jobs, with benefits, or pensions. The amount of 8.50 an hour- is not a livable wage even in a full time aspect, and most jobs are part-time.
1. Bona, L (1990). Children today: Head start programs.
Head start along side job corps has been helping young adults improve there lives for over twenty five years. They are opening a new headquarters in San Diego, California. With these new resources they hope to excel in creating successful opportunities for young adults to advance their lives. On top of the children that are enrolled in job corps head start also allows other members of the community to participate. Including children of parents enrolled in "Options for recovery " a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.
