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Problem of Education in the United States
Problem of Education in the United States
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Introduction
Education has been termed in all societies and throughout the history of humans as a means of an individual’s and society growth. Education is hence a critical part of the society due to its great importance. There is need to examine the importance of education to everyone and if the education provided should be equal. It is also important to note whose responsibility it is to provide education. The education system needs to be effective hence the need for improvements. It is also important to come up with policies that will bring a positive change to provision of education.
Right to access education
Every individual has the human right to access education (Hodgson, 2008). This is because access to education is a fundamental human right to every individual. Education is critical for the development of the full potential of humans and hence their full participation in the democratic society hence its recognition as a human right. The recognition of education as a human right is got from its indispensability when it comes to the enhancement and preservation of the inherent dignity of human beings (Spring, 2000). Everyone has the right to access education because it forms the basis to enjoying other human rights such as right to work and health.
Right to same kind of education
Everyone has the right to the same kind of education. The universal declaration of human rights states that everyone has a right to education. It also says that education should be free at the elementary and fundamental stages. It is also a requirement that elementary education be made compulsory. Higher education needs to be made accessible to everyone on the basis of merit and professional and technical education should be made available. It means that everyone should be provided with the same kind of education in order to foster equality. It is important to follow the universal declaration of human rights so that everyone is on a level ground in terms of education. If people are provided with different kind of education then it means that some people are going to be at an advantage compared to others. Without same kind of education, there are going to be disparities in quality of education provided for every individual. Therefore, providing same kind of education is important for the overall development of individuals and the nation.
Responsibility of proving education
The responsibility of providing education in the United States has been left to the local government. Provision of public education is reserved for states in the United States. State leadership has the power to determine the educational course in each state. However, there is collaboration between the state and federal government when it comes to provision of education. This is because the local government is aware of the education requirements in the states and hence able to provide what is needed. The US federal government provides a lot of money for education through title programs. This is necessary because of the lack of equitable funding for schools due to the fact that most schools draw a lot of funding for the schools from the taxes of property in the states. Equitable education can only be possible if there is a relatively equitable formula of funding for the schools. This can be achieved through collaboration between federal and local government and also individual citizens.
Improvements in the education system
The education system in the United States is broad and diverse and hence needs some improvements. It can be improved through some form of standardization in terms of what is taught and assessment (Lindstrom, 2006). There is the need to come up with standards modes of testing that will make the education system level. The modes of assessment should also be made similar so that there can be fair assessment in the education system (Shen, 2009). Another improvement would be achieved through equitable funding of schools. A lot of disparity exists due to unequal funding where some schools are well funded while others are poorly funded. This can lead to unequitable resources in schools that lack adequate funding. Equitable funding brings about balance in the education system since schools will have similar resources at their disposal. There could also need for an improvement in the education curriculum that involves the incorporation of cross-curriculum connections as well as shared responsibility in the academic achievement of students among teachers, mentors, coaches and parents (Sexton, 2004).
Policy that brings positive change in provision of education
A policy instrumental in making positive changes in provision of education is federal funding policy. There are some schools at the local level with inadequate fund to provide quality education to students. The policy by the federal government for equal funding has provided an opportunity for disadvantaged schools to be able to provide quality education. Therefore, the policy has led to an improvement in the provision of education at both the local and international level.
Conclusion
Education is a human right that everyone is entitled to. People are not just entitled to education but, quality education. There is need to examine the education system in place and carry out necessary improvements on it.
References
Hodgson, D. (2008). The human right to education. Aldershot: Ashgate.
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Lindstrom, J. (2006). A System for Quality Improvement in Higher Education. European Journal of Engineering Education, 255-261.
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Sexton, R. (2004). Mobilizing citizens for better schools. New York: Teachers College Press.
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Shen, J. (2009). Quality rating and improvement system for early care and education: Development, implementation, evaluation and learning.
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Spring, J. (2000). The universal right to education justification, definition, and guidelines. Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
The first scene of act one in Measure for Measure is characterized by various themes that revolve around leadership, and the
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Measure for measure
The first scene of act one in “Measure for Measure” is characterized by various themes that revolve around leadership, and the exercise of power. Power delegation, for example, is seen as the Duke goes away and leaves his authority with Angelo. The character of a leader and the events that happen in the palace characterize the issues that bring thematic concerns to the reader.
The first theme that comes out clear in act one scene one of ‘Measure for Measure’ is the theme of power and the exercise of authority. This theme is created through the duke, and his right hand people like Angelos and Escalus. The first happening that shows the theme of power is the verbalizations of the duke himself. The way he talks, and also the words he uses, shows a leader who has asserted power, and one who has confidence in the position he holds. For example, he refers to the royal class as “we”, showing a noble figure of authority that is stably established. This explains why his language appears formal and legalistic. When he wanted to talk about the citizens, he referred to them as “our people”, showing his inclusiveness in the exercise of authority. The manner, in which he speaks with confidence shows the stability, and the security the duke holds, further expounding on the theme of power and delegation. In addition, the king keeps on alluding to his right hand people and the duties he has given to them. For example, he talks of delegation of power to Angelos while he is away.
The other theme that comes out clearly in this scene is knowledge, wisdom and intelligence. The duke himself portrays wisdom and speaks with wisdom. He claims to know Anglos in and out. Escalus is portrayed as a very wise person, who knows everything about Vienna, its laws and its peoples. Also, the king expresses that Angelos is a man of ability, so he leaves the authority of the land with Angelos, while he is away. As Angelo is being delegated power by the duke, he allows the duke to test him, to ascertain that he is fit to act on behalf of the duke. This is a bold step that is only taken by people who have enough confidence in themselves.
The theme of morality is well portrayed in act one scene one. When the duke delegates authority to Angelos, he emphasizes that “morality and mercy” should be the first aspects in his heart, as he leads the citizens. Further, the concern brought out by Vincentio is about morality. He laments that morality and some defined common laws, which are not being followed in the land. Following this concern, Escalus is given a commission that concerns the morality of the citizens.
Deception, irresponsibility, and; actions versus words, are themes that can be grouped together, and are evident in act one scene one of “measure for Measure”. What the duke says is not what he does. This shows a sense of irresponsibility, and deception. For example, he claims that he will be going away from the land, yet in the real sense he does not do so. Instead, he remains hiding in the secret. By doing this; he has deceived the people, and his advisors, including Angelos, who is left to run the affairs of the territory. The duke shows intention to do a particular thing, but in the actions he does something different. Another aspect of irresponsibility in the scene is the act of delegating all authority. The duke emphasizes his commitment to ensuring that the law is followed. However, at his best moment to ensure this is done, he lives power with Angelo. As the duke delegates authority to Angelo, he tells him to “trust his instincts” concerning the exercise of the law. This shows a leader who is evading responsibility. This is because the law cannot be exercised from one’s instinct; rather it is the application of the written code. Similarly, the duke does not make it clear to Escalus as to what position he will serve. A good leader is expected to make everybody in the group understand their contribution.
The theme of loyalty and trust is brought out well in scene one act one. The servants of the duke are portrayed as being trustworthy and loyal. When the duke delegates duties to Angelo, he does not hesitate to carry out the duties. When Escalus is asked whether Angelo is fit to be left in charge, he does not hesitate to answer the duke. These two incidences portray these servants as being loyal to the authority. Loyalty is also seen on the side of the citizens. Even though the duke gives directions that all should abide by the law, and leaves Anglo with power, even to execute a death sentence, no citizen is reported in act one scene one having violated the law. Further, the praises that the king has for Escalus shows that he respects and trusts him. The action of leaving the authority with Angelos shows that he has regarded and trusted for him. Going by these, it is appreciable that this center of power was built around people who were loyal and trustworthy.
Problem in Policing
Problem in Policing
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Problem in Policing
Explain at least one tension/problem in policing that is covered in any of the readings
In the book titled Introduction to criminal justice, a sociological perspective, Kubrin & Stucky (2013). have undertaken an in-depth to highlight the various problems evidenced in policing in crime. According to the authors, crime is an action that violates various rules in society such that it harms the well-being of citizens and society. For instance, espionage crimes are known to threaten political stability in society. Although crime may be undetected, the harm is never apparent. Crimes may fall under the category of corporate crime, organized crime, collar crime, and street crime, among others. However, most of the crimes that enter the system often get excluded systematically for reasons of error, cost, and discretion. Many of the crimes that get into the system could also get excluded eventually. According to Kubrin & In Stucky (2013), officials often apply discretion when deciding on the cases that should proceed into the criminal justice systems and those that should not. Excessive use of discretion is dangerous in that it promotes racism, injustice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
Although police must apply discretion in their job, excessive discretion often affects the application of criminal justice goals. According to Bryant (2016), discretion is dangerous in that it promotes discrimination, high degrees of unpredictability, and injustice. Providing the police with the discretion to undertake objectives that are not in alignment with the criminal justice system is considered problematic in relation to justice and the efficiency of the police. However, the inevitability of the practice of discretion in policing is exceedingly difficult to dispute, provided the volatility, pressure, and dangerous conditions on which the police operate. Travis (2017) states that discretion is the core of policing, and every successful policing process must depend on it since it is a policeman’s daily task. This provision is important considered police are placed effectively as the main point of contact between the people and the criminal justice system in order to make essential filtering decisions.
Every effective criminal justice system depends on the efficiency of police discretion. However, although crime and policing depend on discretion significantly, the relative limits of this practice are often ignored. While police are required to practice discretion, they should adhere to the objectives of the criminal justice system in order to avoid the dangers associated with high reliance on reliance. Police should also adhere to the principles of the rule of law, such as clarity, circumvention of arbitrariness, and strict observance of the written law. According to Willis & Mastrofski (2018), police discretion is considered effective and necessary when applied moderately; however, the practice is dangerous if the interests of service stray away from the official principles and intention of the criminal law in a bid to achieve their own objectives.
Discuss at least one policing reform covered in the readings
Kubrin & Stucky (2013), have explained various ways through which law enforcement can be applied to promote the desired behaviors. According to these authors, law enforcement tasks and correction tasks are often divided across the varying state, local, and federal government branches. Law enforcement tasks, as well as correction tasks, are essential at promoting the desired reforms being evidenced in the criminal justice system. Policing reforms are essential, especially with regard to the current system where inequalities have taken over the criminal justice system in terms of police practices, arrest and prosecution policies, and the use of aggressive policing. The severity of criminal sentences, particularly when it comes to communities of color, has impacted a negative perception of the black communities about the criminal justice system. It is thus important to implement effective policing reforms to enhance the institutional policing of the criminal system.
In the future, it is necessary to facilitate increased use of special prosecutors in criminal investigators due to the inability of local prosecutors to remain impartial in circumstances that involve law enforcement in the jurisdiction. Research shows that prosecutors often depend upon the police officers to investigate cases, make arrests, carry out interrogations, and testify at trial (Travis (2017). On the other hand, police officers also expect prosecutors to facilitate convictions and investigations. However, in cases of police misconduct, sympathies by local prosecutors may hinder their effectiveness, which necessitates the need for opportunities to consider different alternatives that facilitate the understanding of conflicting interests. It is thus important for states to provide state attorneys with additional authority over issues involving police and create permanent prosecutors who provide insulation against local law enforcement. An automatic referral that is not within the jurisdiction of fatal cases should engage the use of an independent outside party to ensure police causes are carried out by neutral prosecutors.
Improvement of data collection on crime is an effective policing reform. In order to deal with the gaps that exist in the collection and analysis of criminal data, it is necessary to ensure enhanced data collection without any chances of those involved tampering with the evidence. The police officers collecting data should submit important information such as demographics, details about the victim, location, and a brief description of the issues that led to the crime. It is also important to facilitate implicit bias training on all law-enforcement officers to promote impartiality in the criminal justice system. According to Winfree & Mays (2019), there should be increased government oversight on misconduct through the provision of funding in law enforcement, training, hiring of qualified officers, purchasing necessary equipment, and the creation of jurisdiction task forces. These initiatives will help to restore justice and impartiality in the criminal justice system where racism, inequality, and ethnicity have taken root.
Explain why you believe this reform may be successful at addressing the problem
Excessive use of police discretion is considered the main cause of injustices evidenced in the criminal justice system. According to Willis & Mastrofski (2018), wide discretion facilitates the criminalization of particular classes and groups, particularly people of color and vulnerable individuals in society. Discrimination and racism play a huge role in police discretion and the various injustices being evidenced in the justice system. However, this situation can be resolved through the use of foreign or international prosecutors who are neutral in order to promote fairness in the system. Considering the fact that police discretion is inevitable in policing, promoting the efficiency and fairness in the practice of discretion can increase the confidence of prosecutors. The use of international officers can reduce the chances of officers to bend the rules in a bid to meet their targets, to follow their personal objectives and prejudices. International officers will help to reduce the injustice, unpredictability, and inconsistency evidenced in the criminal justice system and in the rule of law. Besides, this action will help to cleanse the image of police in that excessive application of discretion, particularly by local officers, leaves them vulnerable to scrutiny and resentment in the community. There is also a high likelihood of distrust by the minority community towards criminal justice, the result of which can be exceedingly dangerous and fatal.
According to Travis (2017), it is necessary to encourage the use of special prosecutors due to the limited ability of local prosecutors to remain impartial in their dealings. Discrimination is considered one of the most dangerous consequences of excessive application of police discretion. Special prosecutors have the ability to work without excessive pursuance of criminal classes who have been exposed to police officers more by low socio-economic backgrounds. Local officers are thus more likely to make contact with the underprivileged, which decreases their likelihood of assessing justice in the system. The use of special prosecutors who are unaware of local situations and the local classes which are mostly exposed to police officers can act with the desired fairness, thus diminishing all kinds of discrimination. For instance, black individuals are more likely to undergo police scrutiny than white people. Such officers will also prevent inefficient use of government funds on inappropriate prioritization of crimes.
Additionally, improved data collection on criminal proceedings will ensure that police discretion is founded on factual rather than speculative foundations. The police officers-in-charge of data collection should submit credible information that guide the decision of prosecutors and ensure that discretion is founded on verifiable facts. Increased government oversight will also increase the effectiveness of police discretion through the provision of necessary forensic equipment. The involvement of the federal government can also increase the effectiveness of police discretion through training and oversight of misconduct from police officers.
References
Barlow, C., & Walklate, S. (2018). Policing intimate partner violence: The ‘golden thread’ of discretion. Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1093/police/pay001
Bryant, R. (2016). Policing Digital Crime: the International and Organisational Context. In Policing Digital Crime (pp. 129-140). Routledge.
In Kubrin, C. E., & In Stucky, T. D. (2013). Introduction to criminal justice: A sociological perspective.
Travis III, L. (2017). Criminal Justice Perspectives. An Introduction to Criminal Justice (pp. 1-36). Routledge.
Willis, J. J., & Mastrofski, S. D. (2018). Improving policing by integrating craft and science: what can patrol officers teach us about good police work?. Policing and Society, 28(1), 27-44. https://doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2015.1135921
Winfree, L. T., & Mays, G. L. (2019). Introduction to Criminal Justice: The Essentials. Aspen Publishers.