Are zero tolerance rules the best way to keep schools safe Research Paper

Are zero tolerance rules the best way to keep schools safe - Research Paper Example Thus, the zero tolerance rules. According to Ted Watchel, zero tolerance â€Å"have become commonplace in American schools in recent decades’ (par. 3). Although many people agree to the zero tolerance rule policy in schools, this does not ensure a totally safe learning environment. This policy uses a lot of money, might be too strict on the students, and might not be too affective. Further, it is unfair to some students, and some rights might be violated by this rule. A report by Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah states that Chicago Public Schools spent $51.4 million on school-based security guards in 2010, an amount which was fifteen times higher than that of the budget spent on college and career coaches (par. 2). But students say they did not feel any safer in their schools despite these disciplinary policies. Zero tolerance policies are ineffective and have even been harmful to students and school environments (Watchel, par. 2) because it is too strict, that even minor offenses such as not being in uniform or bringing cell phones in class, result to removal from school, instead of giving them second chances and the counsel and advice they need in order to realize their mistakes if they have committed any. According to Kristen Graham, a report stated that students in the Philadelphia District are â€Å"too often punished harshly for minor infractions, and suspensions, expulsions, and transfers to disciplinary school are overused† (par. 2). This is clearly against putting the students’ welfare first in terms of their behavioral development or improvement and putting their future at risk. Some students might not want to continue their studies after they are kicked out of school either because of shame or disappointment. This will also make the students feel that the school does not exude the image that they once have, which is an academic and learning institution where they have the freedom to enjoy their learning years. Watchel stated that the polic y is ineffective and I totally agree with him. Watchel further stated that, â€Å"The American Psychological Association Zero Tolerance Task Force issued a report in 2008 concluding that severe punishment at schools neither reduces violence nor promotes learning. The report asserts that zero tolerance can actually increase bad behavior, lead to higher dropout rates, and increase referrals to the juvenile justice system for infractions once handled in the schools†(par. 5). This clearly proves the infectivity of the policy. Sean McCollum stated that â€Å"zero tolerance policy is getting twisted in many school districts and schools are not checking to see that the policies are even working† (par. 4). The first goal of an academic institution is to promote learning. This includes learning academically and behaviorally, which means that aside from their academic development, they are also taught the value of discipline and the sense of responsibility. This can only be done in a way that the students will have to realize, without being severely punished, their mistakes and then learn from them. By punishing them harshly for even the smallest infractions, we are further pushing them away from accepting their mistakes and thus give them reasons to feel angry and resentful. This will get in the way of their academic and learning development. In its eager campaign for a safer learning environment, the policy has become unfair in its treatment of infractions. Offenses, whether major or minor are met with almost the same punishments:

Project Management Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Project Management Review - Essay Example If outsourcers fail to re-document the message according to the individual requirements, it means that outsourcers did not get the content of the actual message. It is recommendable for the individual not to settle a response such as â€Å"Yes, I got the message’. Finally, the individual has to request outsourcers to create a prototype for the order placed. This prototype would be very helpful for the individual to ensure that outsourcers have absolutely understood his wants and needs. In order to make the communication between individual and outsourcers better, it is advisable to make use of pictures as they are more powerful tools for communication. In this way, everybody working on a placed order can thoroughly understand how the final product looks like. By undergoing these phases, an individual may ensure that outsourcers clearly understand his requirements. 2. It seems that a project manager’s trust is the key to exercising influence in an organization. A project manager deals with each and every aspect of a particular project, from creating a methodology for specific task completion to formulating a quick plan changes in response to unforeseen contingencies. While considering time-sensitive as well as cost consuming nature of modern business projects, the project manager’s trust is very vital to an organization’s financial success. ... uggests that every project team must â€Å"have sufficient checks and balances in place to insure against untrustworthy behaviors† either by project team members or by other concerned parties (Bourne, 2010). Therefore, a project manager’s trust is vital to make sure better accountability and thereby a positive reputation for the organization. A project manager’s stature also plays a significant role in contributing to organizational flexibility. Since the modern business environment is highly unpredictable, proposed project structure may need to be changed in times of contingencies. A project manager cannot delegate such last-minute changes if he has not earned the trust of his teams. 3. â€Å"Principled negotiation is an interest-based approach to negotiation that focuses primarily on conflict management and conflict resolution† (Principled negotiation). This concept mainly uses an integrative approach with intent to explore a mutually shared outcome. The concept of principled negotiations was firstly introduced in the book â€Å"Getting to Yes† which was published in 1981 by Roger Fisher and William Ury. The principled negotiation is based upon four key points which are illustrated below. 1. Separate people from the problem 2. Focus on interests, not positions 3. Invent options for mutual gain 4. Insist on objective criteria The first key point reflects the fact that relationship issues must be separated from substantive issues. According to Fisher, Ury, and Patton (1991, p. 21), popular problems mainly involve issues related to perception, emotion, and communication. Negotiating on interests does not indicate that it must be about things which people express as a want or need. Often, people tend to achieve extreme positions which are capable of confronting with