Overview Of The 2011 Naep State Proficiency Standards Report

The Federal Assessment of Educational Progress ( NAEP ) is a benchmark for evaluating American students knowledge of a intermixture of subject areas. The assessment is administered uniformly by the Governmental Core for Education Statistics, and students nationwide are obsessed the same set of test booklets.

The will of this assessment is to have a general thought of how students are doing in school, and whether or not adjustments need to be made to school curricula. The impact of the assessment are generated by comparing students motley myriad in categories like as class grade, gender, district, and state.

A brief summary of the impression of the 2011 NAEP state proficiency test is presented below:

Mathematics: Students myriad were based on their forbearing of content area and mathematical complexity. Twelfth and eighth graders have souped up their mathematics army since 2005; however, the average myriad for fourth graders swarm remains roughly the same as it was in 2007.

Reading: This assessment measures students reading and comprehension skills. The average reading scores for eighth and twelfth graders have improved from 2007, but the average reading scores for fourth graders remain the same.

Writing: The assessment evaluates students ability to write informatively and persuasively, as well as their ability to write narratives. In 2007, eighth and twelfth graders achieved higher average scores than they did in 2002 or 1998.

Science: Students were tested on their knowledge and understanding of physical science, life science, and earth and space sciences. In more than 80 % of participating districts, the average scores for fourth and eighth grade students were lower than the national average.

The Arts: Students scores were calculated based on their knowledge of and ability to evaluate existing works of theatre, dance, music and visual art. The assessment was carried out solely on eight graders. Female students scored higher in music, and students in private schools scored higher than their public school counterparts in visual arts.

Civics: Students were evaluated based on their civic knowledge, disposition, and intellectual skills critical to their responsibilities as American citizens. While fourth graders improved their average scores in 2010 from 2006 and 1998, eighth graders showed no improvement and twelfth graders average scores declined.

U. S History: This assessment measures students knowledge of major historical themes, chronological periods, and their understanding of historical events. Compared to 2006, eighth graders had a higher average score on the U. S history assessment. On the other hand, fourth and twelfth graders showed no changes.

Economics: Twelfth graders were evaluated based on their knowledge of economies, and how they work. In 2006, more than 75 % of twelfth graders performed at or above the basic achievement level, roughly 42 % of students performed at or above the proficient level, while 3 % of students performed at the advanced level.

Geography: Students were tested on their knowledge of environment, society, space, and spatial dynamics with respect to geography. Compared to 2001, fourth graders average scores improved, while eight and twelfth graders showed no changes.

In 2012, new tests that evaluate students knowledge of world history, technology, and engineering literacy will be administered for the first time. The National Center for Education Statistics ( NCES ) supports research to evaluate NAEP results and make changes to school curricula in order to improve students performance on NAEP assessments.

Photojournalism Schools - Top Photojournalism Schools

Photojournalism schools are obtaining rarely more sought adjacent. Considering the constantly spreading care for this profession, schools have greater their programs with variant kinds of courses in the field. Still, finding photojournalism schools might be somewhat strenuous. Further, respectable photojournalism schools arrive to be like diamonds in the Black Sea.

So as to exceed in the photojournalism profession, one should certainly have a good general culture. To begin with, it goes irrecoverable saying, photojournalism schools must teach good photography.

And as simple photography is not sufficient in such cases, the value of the teachers these schools bring is among the most relevant features characterizing superior photojournalism schools. The teachers must have managed themselves difficulties in photojournalism so as to know how to teach their students the important education for this profession.

They must have handled difficult light situations where they have to master their camera with the speed of lightning in order not to miss the essential moments of the events they witness. Experience may be essential when dealing with motion stabilizers, seizing a high paced process, or noticing each detail that could make a big difference in the expressiveness of the shot.

The first course one will take is mastering the camera, as it is one of the most important courses of any good photojournalism schools. Next on the list, but not less important, is ethics. All photojournalism schools have to take into consideration the ethics of this career in order to offer a proper education. Upcoming photojournalists have to know what is permitted and what is not, not to mention the ethical issues that influence the decision.

There are no written rules or laws of this type, anywhere in the world. With good ethical values, a professional photojournalist will know how to do a great job without breaking the rules of common sense, even when crossing the line could earn him a Pulitzer prize. A photojournalist ' s ethics is most important for appreciation in this world.

Additionally, good photojournalism schools ought to focus several specific theoretical courses on art history, history of photography, world history etc. However, this is only a part of the curriculum. It goes without saying students must be familiar with the most famous artists of the world, the factors for that classification, as well as how such artists changed the world and the history of arts with their visions and amazing masterpieces.

In view of a career as a professional photojournalist, search for the finest photojournalism schools and think over all aspects thoroughly before applying, as your education may determine your whole career.

Not Always Finding The Truth Or Facts In American History

In rudimentary this topic I conceive that before one discusses molecule subject it is always wise to define the subject one is discussing, consequently according to this abstraction contract us say fully what history is. History by my personal allusion is the events of the past regarding people as well as nature. The past pith something which is not current for instance World War 2 which is now a part of history contrary to the conflict or war in Iraq or Afghanistan which good enough are not in the past. For my own I would have history as being regular stories contrary to the ones in fiction which did not.

However if the subject be American history inasmuch as it must be stated here that contrary to what many may think it did not begin on the 4th of July, 1776 when in the year of our lord a fit-out of masculinity, who for many reasons not all of them being love of country signed a piece of paper called The Adjudicature of Independence. American history as related goes back further much in the same way German and Italian history ( though conceivably not as far back ) which also did not start when these two nations unified a little unbefitting 150 years ago. Historical events in the part of the world which today is confessed as the United States of America ( as opposed to Brazil whose authorized pseudonym is the United States of Brazil ) at number one as far as European settlement be the plight go back further. All the way back to the kickoff of the 16th century when The Virginia Company landed and set on in the new world with the now famous skipper John Smith. A man who would go on to be recorded in the pages of history more for his relation with the legendary Pocahontas for for all his previous adventures. As a stump note to this story I might add that what little is recognized of what transpired between Pocahontas and John Smith comes to us from John Smith himself and has never been confirmed by other sources not steady Pocahontas herself.

With regards to what can be called American history it like that of sector other nation was written by persons who are not particular capable of error but of modification facts or commencement them out for their own welfare or for those who have something to blessing from it, making it hard for those who seek to learn facts to do so. An example of leaving out facts perhaps for convenience sake or for not being considered by some to be significant enough to mention is the fact that George Washington prior to being named commander - in - chief of the continental army was financially indebted to the British Crown. Knowing this fact does not make it hard to see why he would stand to benefit in more ways then one from the colonies becoming independent. Of coarse we should not interpret this fact that his motives were purely self - serving but on the other hand it is a fact that should not be ignored as it is just that, a fact.

American history also like that of any other country has its share of wars which people knew not at the time the reasons that send them to battle but went with the idea my country, right or wrong! A perfect example of this though not the only might be the wars that were fought first between Texas and the Republic of Mexico and then the United States and again the Republic of Mexico.

The first of these wars serving to liberate Texas from the oppression of the Santana lead government. Santana being the man who had recently overthrown the Mexican constitution declaring himself dictator of the Republic of Mexico. To many this might justify a war or movement for independence but there is one thing that people like Samuel Houston left in vagueness. The lack of clarity coming in the form of failing to mention that the Mexican oppression they were fighting against was Mexicos new law that took away the right of some individuals to own other human beings in a practice known as slavery. Perhaps disclosure of this fact would not have altered much as the United States ( only in its southern states ) was also a republic that had laws that allowed for such practices.

The United States official stance in this affair at the time was one of neutrality, at least such is the version that is held as true in the pages of American history but is there accuracy to be found in this explanation? To my way of seeing things it is hard for me to imagine this might have been the case given that Santana was taken prisoner and held in Washington D. C. for a month after being captured at the Battle of San Jacinto. Naturally Santana was not kept in Washington DC as a tourist as it was during his stay that he was forced to sign a treaty handing the Mexican land known as Texas its independence. This reality makes those with minds who question instead of accepting blindly ask why were these the actions of the United States government if in fact they had no dealing in the Texas - Mexican War?

The United States however is not alone in this sort of tactics in the way it teaches its own history. Did not the British do likewise when they informed their subjects that their war against China, which history would label as The Opium War was because China was placing limitations on their trade? Perhaps not making it abundantly clear that this trade was in a substance which most countries of today have made illegal.

Naturally when running over the events of American history one finds out that the discrepancies between what can be found in the text books on the subject intended for high schools students and the reality of what actually did occur extend beyond the war that was fought between Texas and Mexico and in to so many other aspects that it would be impossible to list them all. I might however give the case of scalping which was originally credited as an Indian ( or Native American ) innovation which has now a days been for the most part accepted as an invention of the white man that was continued by Indians.

Of coarse one would also have to take in to account that certain facts only become known after a certain period of time has elapsed. This perhaps justified by how certain truths being known at certain periods of time are not always in everybodys best interest as their disclosure may cause some to loose face. As was the case for Bravet General George A. Custer who along with his men was believed to have been the victim of an Indian massacre at the battle of Little Bighorn. This again proving not to be accurate when evidence emerged that it was Custers military incompetence that lead to not only to his own demise but that of his 7th cavalry and not being heavily outnumbered by 1800 braves. This a number which historians have come to believe was far less perhaps even as low as 900. Perhaps it was the need to create a national hero or shame at seeing a West Point graduate and Civil War hero being outwitted by 2 Indian commanders ( Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse ) that lead to denial of the fact that Custer divided his forces of 600 even when aware that he would be facing superior numbers. It is with this in mind that I declare that ones history teachings be they from school or books should always be consumed with at least a teaspoon of skepticism. Reason for last statement being how it would not be a first for lies to be passed as truth as has been so many times the case not only in American history but world history. This perhaps could be exemplified by how the Katin Massacre of Polish officers during World War 2 was originally blamed on the Third Reich only to be discovered later that in fact it had been the Soviets all along who were responsible for this killing.

Another example from world history of how facts have been altered through out the course of history was during World War 1. It was in this war that British passenger ships ( notably the Lusitanian ) were being sunk by German submarines which of coarse was a violation of international law. This was a fact however which was only one in a chain that included several others which were carefully omitted. Under international law for a ship to be considered a passenger ship it did not suffice for that ship to be carrying passengers, that ship could not be carrying weapons in the form of cannons or torpedoes of any kind, armed or unarmed, mounted or other wise. In the case of the so called British passenger ships some of them were transporting weapons ( naturally hidden from the view passengers ) which though not mounted for use did violate international law with regards to what constituted a passenger ship and therefore making them legitimate military targets like any other war ship.

From this article one can gather that many events are changed because of convenience in a desire to create strong sentiments of love toward a nation by sacrificing the truth. Perhaps it is not with malice that this tends to occur for it maybe with the purpose of presenting a wholesome view of the facts which may turn them in to fiction. This last view is the reason I have opted to write this article, as a form that perhaps will encourage people to seek out the truth in past events fore it is the present that is what it is because the actions the past made it such.

On lighter side of this subject I will state that alternating historical facts is not an act of governments alone. For the film industry can be found at fault as well specially when making supposedly historically based films. There are many examples of films that have basically trampled on historical reality but let us take the example of Alexander, The Great ( directed by Oliver Stone, released in 2005 ) which for the most part remains loyal to the facts till the film arrived in India. It was in India were this American film ( which already had taken its liberties with the facts ) was tainted to depict Alexander being killed in India during the Battle of The Hydaspes River which contradicts the factual account that Alexander died of fever in Babylon.

Now One Of The Most Popular Legends That Involves A Pearl

Throughout our world ' s history there have been many tales of pearls and their magnificence. Pearls have always been treasures of exotic jewelry and in many cultures they have been initiate as priceless gifts from the gods and goddesses. Trimmed in today ' s society the pearl and pearl jewelry are in control in great admiration and are convenient by many, many humans. by taking a look at the history of the pearl and all of the legends and stories that has involved the pearl we can see how other cultures well in demand and high-priced the pearl.

Now one of the most popular legends that involves a pearl would have to be a legend about two lovers and at the same time two of the greatest powers of their time. It is a legend about Marc Antony and Cleopatra. These two undying rulers at one time were verbal to have made a bet. This story has been handed down for centuries and was actually first recorded by a man named Plutarch who was basically a historian of the time. it is said that Marc Antony and Cleopatra had made a bet that Egypt was a far grander and far wealthier state than Rome could ever be. And for that reason Egypt could not be conquered by Rome.

So due to the bet Cleopatra that she would throw a grand banquet to prove this and in Marc Antony ' s honor the banquet was held. There was finery all through the hall as fitting a grand state such as Egypt. And on the banquet table where Marc Antony and Cleopatra would sit there was a an empty plate and a goblet filled with what is now said to be wine but was probably more like a vinegar that was set in front of them both. Cleopatra ' s servants came out and brought out the main course. That course was one of the largest and most amazingly beautiful pearls that were ever seen. The servants placed this pearl upon Cleopatra ' s empty plate and she then proceeded to crush the pearl and the place the dust of the pearl into the goblet of wine. After drinking down her exotic and vastly expensive concoction she then offered Marc Antony his portion of the dinner which was a pearl that was just as exquisite. He of course declined and said that the beautiful queen had won her bet and that Egypt should not be conquered. Of course there are many reports that say that Cleopatra and her land had already been conquered at the time that this legend is supposed to take place but it shows a great respect for the pearl and how highly it was prized. Marc Antony declined his dinner because to the Romans the pearl was priceless.

There are other stories about the pearl and Egypt that show that even though the pearl was highly prized also the Egyptians actually used the pearl for other purposes and it will even show how intelligent Cleopatra truly was. It is said that Cleopatra would actually take many pearls and dissolve them in a solution of vinegar and then drink the concoction down as part of her beauty routine. It was believed that the pearl would help with aging and keeping the gorgeous queen as beautiful as ever. Now this certainly shows her intelligence. You see she knew that Marc Antony held the pearl very highly and that he would find them priceless because in his land they were very hard to come by and only the richest of the rich could actually obtain these grand pearls. Where she just used them as her beauty regimen. Crushing a pearl for her banquet and her bet was no more to Cleopatra than her daily youth drink.

Of Empires And Nostrils A History Of Pepper

We encourage to brush off that once pepper was not so young available, in gospel it was worth more than gold famous kings were buried with it, it inspired the exploration of the New World and when Rome fell one of the ransoms the people had to pay was pepper. In the past it was used as currency, the once priceless circumstance has a fascinating history and it is no doubt really that it remains the Khan of Spices, ranked as the feeler most popular ingredient bounteous to recipes due to its unique, irresistible pungency.

The kernel berries of the Piper Nigrum vine; peppercorns originate from the Malabar Coast of India and are oftentimes musing to be the oldest spice in existence, harvested as long ago as 1000 BC. Today the precious spice is responsible for over one fourth of the world ' s spice trade and has been the most widely traded spice for the last 3, 000 years.

Peppercorns have long been recognised for their medicinal properties, as they are said to ease respiratory distress, heal skin conditions and deter insects. The secretive Arab sea traders were the first to sell the luxurious spice at exorbitant prices which only the immensely wealthy could afford. It was traded in Egypt, Rome and Greece. The mummy of Ramesses II was found with black peppercorns stuffed in the nostrils, put there as part of the mummification ritual, illustrating the importance and expense of the spice of Kings.

The early Roman Empire conquered Egypt around 30 BC, after which they annually sent approximately 120 ships on a one - year trip to China, India and Southeast Asia before the fleet returned home. Visits to the Malabar Coast in search of pepper became frequent and although it remained an extremely expensive item synonymous with wealth and power, its use became increasingly widespread across the empire and it was a favourite ingredient in cooking.

The secret source of the prized spice was out and the race was on the Spice Trade became fiercely competitive and it is one of the factors which prompted Christopher Columbus to discover the New World when, in fact, he was seeking the Spice Islands ' instead.

Supposedly when Rome was besieged, the victors, Attila the Hun and Alaric the Visigoth demanded a pepper ransom price. Following the fall of Rome, the Persians and Arabs re - established themselves as the leaders of the Spice Trade.

In the Middle Ages, the Portuguese and then the Dutch controlled the trade, by which stage pepper was worth more than gold and the individual seeds were a respected currency. The Dutch have a favourite expression peperduur or pepper expensive ' which shows just how valuable the spice was. Later on, in the Mediterranean, the leading Italian powers dominated the trade, which helped to fund the rise of Venice and Genoa.

So next time you are glibly grinding black rain onto your food, stop and think for a moment about the phenomenal historical impact of the popular spice. Luckily today we have a plentiful supply sourced from all over the world, but once upon a time pepper was partly responsible for the rise and fall of empires and was stuffed into the nostrils of Kings.