BlogWonk- extra credit!!

In the blog "A Defense of Standardized Tests," Nathan Kuncel brings about some not so beneficial information about standardized tests. From his study, "meta-analysis," Kuncel claims that the tests do not have bias questions and do not negatively affect minorites. According to this blog, there are not statistics or numerical evidence to back up his study. Kuncel claims that "Those who want to know why black and Latino students don’t score as well need to stop looking at the tests...these tests are acting as a thermometer for other societal issues." But again, where is the numerical evidence? i did not learn a thing from this blog. I think his "study" is not vald and does not properly evaluate the role of standardized tests. I think his right/conservative view of the issue is speaking more loudly than his acclaimed "study."


http://insidehighered.com/news/2007/02/23/tests

blog 2-American Dream

According to Kendall, the American Dream enables each generation to economically achieve more than their parents and increase their standard of living. Kendall also states that the American Dream is composed of “the belief that all people- regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or religion-should have an equal opportunity for success” (27). Immigrants, dating back from the first migration of 1845, originally viewed America’s “golden door” as a place of hope and glory. Due to agricultural famines, many fled their homelands of Ireland, Italy, and Germany in hopes to begin a new life. Many envisioned gold, opportunities, wealth, and freedom. Instead, all America brought them was discrimination, disease, poverty, hard labor, and death. Their dreams were crushed and their hopes were diminished. But it was not the nation of America who impeded on their American Dream; it was individuals within the society. America did and still does stand for freedom and opportunity. But this liberty is often hindered by powerful individuals or groups. I believe that the idea of the American Dream still lives within society, but I do not think everyone receives a fair advantage of attaining it. Race, color, sex, sexual orientation, and religion play a vital role in one’s level of opportunity in America. For example, African Americans, Hispanics, and women are often not offered an equal opportunity to live the dream. I think the American Dream is often over exaggerated, promising things it is not capable of controlling. The government does try to manage the basis of an American Dream, but relies too much on society to carry it out. Although many individuals are not offered equal opportunities to live the American Dream, I think they can live any dream they wish with the right motivation and dedication.

Blog Assignment 1: American society

In a society, each individual has the option to partake in its glory. The ones who take action and fill in positions to run it made that choice. Furthermore, the ultimate goal is a successful society that functions in harmony. America: arguably, the elite country of the world. In my personal opinion it is. It has become so great due to hundreds of years of highly motivated, intelligent, and educated men and women to make it what it is today. My point is that what America is doing now is most definitely working. America: Land of the free. Our freedoms are greater than any other country; our poor, or financially insufficient, are other countries' middle class. This speaks loudly. The elite run our country. By elite, I mean the political parties, namely Democrats and Republicans (along with the government of course) and the wealthy business owners. To accentuate this point: Andrew Carnegie, the steel manufacturer "King" of Pittsburgh and America, had more capital than the U.S. government had. Further, he had more control than the government had itself. Of course, this was when business taxes were non existent. Currently, business tax is how the government controls businesses and keeps a lot of profit.

Carnegie's manufacturing business can teach us a lot about how not only a business runs, but similarly, how a country is run. This man knew enough about our country and business that he single handedly took a new manufacturing idea and worked to make it the most efficient and the most vast. No other steel manufacturer could match the work that he did daily. He became an elite member of society by applying his intelligence and composing hard work efficiently. Another thing we can learn is that business is similar to a country/society in the sense that it is a hierarchy. Large-scale business: CEO's, CFO's, Presidents, etc. run the business by making decisions and giving orders; then management makes sure that these orders are undertaken; then skilled employees do the medial work that is assigned; finally the laborers, if any, perform labor tasks. This is the same as in a country and its society: there is a heirarchy that works interdependently to function. I think this a logical and efficient way for a country to be run.

ABOUT SARA!

Hey ya'll im gonna tell you a little but about myself and my interests:
My favorite color is pink. My weakness is chocolate or any kind of sweet treat. Country is my all time favorite music, especially Texas country. I also listen to rap, hip hop, pop (basically anything but heavy metal). I love working out/ staying fit/ being active. I also play tennis (even though its been months since I last picked up my old racket). I absolutely LOVE animals! My favorites being cats and dogs. I have two adorable cats and my boyfriend and I just got a Britney Spaniel in October (Im sure ill post a pic sometime). That brings me to my next point: my boyfriend. We have been together for a little over 2 1/2 years and I love him oh so much! I love clothes, purses, shopping, etc. I am basically the epitome of a GIRL. THE END

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