A 19-year-old man from Virginia, Michael Ryan, scaled Trump Tower in New York City using suction cups to try to meet with Donald Trump. He made it to the 21st floor before police pulled him into the building. Ryan had recently dropped out of high school and worked at a gardening center. His parents were out of town on vacation when he took a trip to New York City to perform the stunt. Ryan was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespass for the illegal climb.
20101011 Murray (Alger) An Analysis of Arizona Individual Income Tax-credit S...Vicki Alger
This document analyzes data from 19,990 individual income tax-credit scholarship recipients in Arizona for the 2009-2010 school year, representing almost 80% of total recipients. The analysis found that the median family income of recipients was almost $5,000 lower than the statewide median income and median incomes in recipients' neighborhoods. Over 66% of recipients' family incomes would qualify for Arizona's corporate tax-credit scholarship program for lower-income families. A higher proportion of recipients came from families with incomes under $20,050 than the statewide average. This counters claims that the program does not help poor and lower-income students.
This document provides information from various sources about the impacts of illiteracy and empowering women through literacy. It begins with statistics showing high illiteracy rates in the US and its social costs, including impacts on employment, income, health, and involvement in the criminal justice system. It then discusses how literacy can empower women by improving prospects for employment, personal finance, healthcare choices, and legal rights. The document advocates for grassroots literacy efforts like reading programs and adult literacy tutoring to address these issues.
This document discusses the high rate of high school dropouts in the United States. It notes that approximately 1.2 million students dropout each year, which is alarmingly high for a developed country. African Americans have the highest dropout rates at 56%, followed closely by Latinos at 54%. Poverty and racism are identified as key contributing factors. Those who dropout earn less on average and face higher unemployment. The purpose of the study is to explore the root causes of high dropout rates to identify effective solutions. Research questions focus on the problems caused by dropout, the relationship between poverty/racism and rates, and potential remedies. The study will use a qualitative design analyzing secondary data through literature review.
Getting shot, trouble with the law, teen pregnancy, anxiety/depression, bullying, and substance abuse are concerns many parents have about their children. The data shows:
- Relatively few minors are shot each year, but black youth are disproportionately affected.
- Overall juvenile arrest rates have declined but remain highest for black youth.
- Teen pregnancy rates have dropped significantly nationwide since 1991 but still vary by state and race.
- Around 1 in 4 teens experience anxiety disorders and 1 in 10 experience depression. Rates are higher for girls.
- Bullying remains an issue, though data is limited, and substance use has declined from peak levels in the 1990s.
This document analyzes the fiscal impact of charter schools on six school districts in North Carolina. It presents a framework for estimating the net fiscal impact (NFI) of charter schools, which is the reduction in per-pupil spending on variable costs for students remaining in public schools due to funding losses from students attending charter schools. The NFI depends on factors like fixed vs. variable costs, per-pupil funding amounts, and the share of students attending charter schools. It uses detailed budget data from 2015-16 to categorize district spending and estimate NFI under different scenarios. The results suggest Durham faced an NFI over $700 per pupil, while some non-urban districts like Iredell and Orange faced impacts from $
Assessing the costs of public higher education in the commonwealth of virgini...Robert M. Davis, MPA
Part 2 in a series of whitepaper research examining the costs of Public Higher Education in the Commonwealth of Virginia; data collection shows that more students from lower income have increased in enrollment at a time when college costs have been increasing at a rate greater than affordability.Increases in cost have disproportionately impacted lower income families as a proportional share of reported income.
The Fiscal Externalities of Charter Schools: Evidence from North CarolinaAnalisa Sorrells
This paper aims to quantify the fiscal externalities (negative financial impacts) that charter schools have on traditional public school districts in North Carolina. Using detailed budget and enrollment data from one urban and five non-urban school districts experiencing growth in charter schools, the authors estimate the "net fiscal impact" of charter schools under different assumptions about fixed and variable costs. Preliminary results suggest charter schools impose significant fiscal burdens on the studied districts, including a negative impact of over $700 per student in the urban Durham district, equivalent to around $25 million total. Fiscal impacts in some non-urban districts are also substantial, in the range of $200-$500 per student. The paper seeks to inform policy responses to ease the fiscal pressure
- The Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) was a federally-funded school voucher program established in 2003 to provide vouchers of up to $7,500 for low-income students in Washington D.C. to attend private schools.
- Early studies of OSP found no statistically significant impact on student achievement in reading or math test scores overall, though some subgroups saw modest gains in reading.
- By 2009, funding to OSP was reduced due to a lack of evidence that the program was improving student outcomes overall. The program was phased out, though students already enrolled could continue with vouchers through high school graduation.
20101011 Murray (Alger) An Analysis of Arizona Individual Income Tax-credit S...Vicki Alger
This document analyzes data from 19,990 individual income tax-credit scholarship recipients in Arizona for the 2009-2010 school year, representing almost 80% of total recipients. The analysis found that the median family income of recipients was almost $5,000 lower than the statewide median income and median incomes in recipients' neighborhoods. Over 66% of recipients' family incomes would qualify for Arizona's corporate tax-credit scholarship program for lower-income families. A higher proportion of recipients came from families with incomes under $20,050 than the statewide average. This counters claims that the program does not help poor and lower-income students.
This document provides information from various sources about the impacts of illiteracy and empowering women through literacy. It begins with statistics showing high illiteracy rates in the US and its social costs, including impacts on employment, income, health, and involvement in the criminal justice system. It then discusses how literacy can empower women by improving prospects for employment, personal finance, healthcare choices, and legal rights. The document advocates for grassroots literacy efforts like reading programs and adult literacy tutoring to address these issues.
This document discusses the high rate of high school dropouts in the United States. It notes that approximately 1.2 million students dropout each year, which is alarmingly high for a developed country. African Americans have the highest dropout rates at 56%, followed closely by Latinos at 54%. Poverty and racism are identified as key contributing factors. Those who dropout earn less on average and face higher unemployment. The purpose of the study is to explore the root causes of high dropout rates to identify effective solutions. Research questions focus on the problems caused by dropout, the relationship between poverty/racism and rates, and potential remedies. The study will use a qualitative design analyzing secondary data through literature review.
Getting shot, trouble with the law, teen pregnancy, anxiety/depression, bullying, and substance abuse are concerns many parents have about their children. The data shows:
- Relatively few minors are shot each year, but black youth are disproportionately affected.
- Overall juvenile arrest rates have declined but remain highest for black youth.
- Teen pregnancy rates have dropped significantly nationwide since 1991 but still vary by state and race.
- Around 1 in 4 teens experience anxiety disorders and 1 in 10 experience depression. Rates are higher for girls.
- Bullying remains an issue, though data is limited, and substance use has declined from peak levels in the 1990s.
This document analyzes the fiscal impact of charter schools on six school districts in North Carolina. It presents a framework for estimating the net fiscal impact (NFI) of charter schools, which is the reduction in per-pupil spending on variable costs for students remaining in public schools due to funding losses from students attending charter schools. The NFI depends on factors like fixed vs. variable costs, per-pupil funding amounts, and the share of students attending charter schools. It uses detailed budget data from 2015-16 to categorize district spending and estimate NFI under different scenarios. The results suggest Durham faced an NFI over $700 per pupil, while some non-urban districts like Iredell and Orange faced impacts from $
Assessing the costs of public higher education in the commonwealth of virgini...Robert M. Davis, MPA
Part 2 in a series of whitepaper research examining the costs of Public Higher Education in the Commonwealth of Virginia; data collection shows that more students from lower income have increased in enrollment at a time when college costs have been increasing at a rate greater than affordability.Increases in cost have disproportionately impacted lower income families as a proportional share of reported income.
The Fiscal Externalities of Charter Schools: Evidence from North CarolinaAnalisa Sorrells
This paper aims to quantify the fiscal externalities (negative financial impacts) that charter schools have on traditional public school districts in North Carolina. Using detailed budget and enrollment data from one urban and five non-urban school districts experiencing growth in charter schools, the authors estimate the "net fiscal impact" of charter schools under different assumptions about fixed and variable costs. Preliminary results suggest charter schools impose significant fiscal burdens on the studied districts, including a negative impact of over $700 per student in the urban Durham district, equivalent to around $25 million total. Fiscal impacts in some non-urban districts are also substantial, in the range of $200-$500 per student. The paper seeks to inform policy responses to ease the fiscal pressure
- The Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) was a federally-funded school voucher program established in 2003 to provide vouchers of up to $7,500 for low-income students in Washington D.C. to attend private schools.
- Early studies of OSP found no statistically significant impact on student achievement in reading or math test scores overall, though some subgroups saw modest gains in reading.
- By 2009, funding to OSP was reduced due to a lack of evidence that the program was improving student outcomes overall. The program was phased out, though students already enrolled could continue with vouchers through high school graduation.
The Council of Independent College's new fact sheet, “Student Debt: Myths and Facts,” contains new research to set the record straight by countering myths and providing facts about student debt.
The Council of Independent College's new fact sheet, “Private Colleges and STEM: Myths and Facts,” contains new research to set the record straight by countering myths and providing facts about the success of small, private colleges in preparing STEM majors for careers and graduate study.
20131108 Alger Faith-based Schools Their Contributions to American Education,...Vicki Alger
This document summarizes research on faith-based schools in the United States. Some key findings include: faith-based schools enroll nearly 4.4 million students across 21,023 schools; faith-based schools have smaller class sizes than public schools and are more commonly located in cities; faith-based school students often outperform public school students on standardized tests, especially disadvantaged groups; faith-based schools closely reflect the racial/ethnic diversity of the U.S. population; and faith-based schools provide estimated annual savings of over $50 billion to taxpayers compared to public school costs. The research also finds high levels of parental satisfaction with faith-based schools.
20050119 Murray and Aud A Guide to Understanding State Funding of Arizona Pub...Vicki Alger
This document summarizes a report on state funding of Arizona public school students. It finds that:
1) The average state base equalization funding per student in Arizona ranges from $4,200 to $4,600, while the average non-equalized district funding portion is $4,309.
2) The total average funding per student is between $8,500 and $9,000, though amounts may be higher for students with special needs.
3) If 5% of Arizona's public school students received education grants to attend private schools worth $3,500 for elementary and $4,500 for high school, it could save the state $32 million in fiscal year 2003 with minimal funding
Only $1 million of a required $35 million private endowment for Mississippi's three historically black universities has been raised so far. The endowment was part of a 2002 desegregation settlement to fund new programs and buildings. However, no fundraising campaign has been planned by the College Board responsible for raising the funds. University presidents are concerned that such an effort could conflict with their own fundraising campaigns. Raising the remaining money will be difficult but board members believe it is possible if a strategy is implemented.
The document summarizes news from Brightwood College's El Paso campus. It discusses the campus changing its name from Kaplan College to Brightwood College and holding an open house event. It also announces that Brightwood College will hold its first graduation ceremony in June, where three military student graduates will receive honorary cords. The document provides information on upcoming campus and community events in April, including the start of terms, career fairs, and holidays. It also includes sections on autism awareness, sexual assault prevention, veteran student scholarships, and the Student Veterans of America Vet Center Initiative grant program.
UNIVERSITY TUITION
State legislature tries to delay dramatic increase in university cost
The increase in university costs since 2003, when they were deregulated, has been three times that of salaries
Jorge Luis Sierra
Dec. 17, 2008
La Voz de Houston
This document summarizes research conducted by undergraduate students at the University of the Fraser Valley on youth voter engagement in British Columbia. The research was commissioned by the Chief Electoral Officer of BC to identify recommendations for increasing youth voter turnout.
The students reviewed literature on factors influencing youth voter participation and conducted a survey of UFV students on their voting behaviors and attitudes. Key findings from the survey included a voting rate of 81% among respondents in the 2015 federal election. Variables associated with increased voting included education, ethnicity, field of study, civic duty, altruism, and civic engagement.
Based on these results, the report proposes recommendations in two sections. The first section provides four recommendations for the Chief Electoral Officer that
LRAP at NACCAP 2018 | A Facilitated Discussion on Fear of Student Loan Debt &...Ardeo Education Solutions
What strategies are being implemented at your college or university to address the growing impact that fear of student debt is having on enrollment trends? Chime in using the comments below or tag us on Twitter (@LRAPassociation).
We've taken the time to scour the web for relevant data and statistics regarding the potential for impact fear of managing student debt after graduation might be having on the higher education choices students and families are making.
As a focal point for the facilitated discussion we are leading at NACCAP, we created this convenient take-home document with primary sources listed (and linked at http://lrap.org/NACCAP).
Over 50% of US students expect to study abroad but less than 10% actually do. In 2012, 289,000 US students studied abroad, only 1.5% of the 20 million US students. Minority student participation in study abroad has increased but still only represents 16% of US study abroad students. While the UK remained the top destination in 2013, there was a significant increase in students studying in places like China, Brazil and other areas of Asia over the past 15 years. The document calls for efforts to focus on expanding study abroad opportunities to the 90% of US students who have not yet participated.
EducationUSA Weekly Update for March 4, 2013EducationUSA
The document provides information on scholarships and fellowships for both undergraduate and graduate international students.
It lists several US universities that offer merit-based scholarships including Winona State University, Wesleyan College, Oklahoma Christian University, and St. Cloud State University. It also provides details on graduate fellowships offered by Pittsburg State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Nevada Reno.
The document additionally shares news items about an upcoming virtual student fair hosted by Hobsons Asia, an event at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where international students shared foods from their home countries, and housing options for international community college students.
This resume summarizes the educational and professional experience of Jereny Mendoza. Mendoza has a BA in Government and Interdisciplinary Studies from Eastern Washington University, where they held several paid research internships. They have conducted research on reducing recidivism rates among minorities and Latino business owners. Mendoza has presented their research at numerous conferences and published in an academic journal. They have also held leadership roles in community organizations and received various academic honors and scholarships.
Complimentary Research Resource: Fear of Student Loan Debt & Enrollment Impac...Ardeo Education Solutions
WeWe know the challenges you face as an enrollment professional are many and varied. We also know that communicating the complex realities of enrollment environments to peers on your campus, presidents, trustees, and committees can be one of them.
To aid you in painting a more complete picture, we’ve assembled and curated 38 data points covering research from 17 unique, trusted enrollment research sources into one easy to read, sharable document.
know the challenges you face as an enrollment professional are many and varied. We also know that communicating the complex realities of enrollment environments to peers on your campus, presidents, trustees, and committees can be one of them.
To aid you in painting a more complete picture, we’ve assembled and curated 38 data points covering research from 17 unique, trusted enrollment research sources into one easy to read, sharable document.
This report summarizes the results of a survey of over 1,200 Vermont college students about their plans after graduation. The top factors that would influence students to stay in Vermont are high-paying or meaningful jobs, affordable housing and cost of living, assistance with student loans, and personal relationships. Students gave Vermont its highest ratings for natural amenities but lowest ratings for affordable housing and transportation options. Open-ended responses indicated improved job opportunities, housing, and financial incentives could encourage more students to remain in the state.
While national park visitation has risen steadily, only one in five visitors is a person of color. Surveys show even lower percentages of minority visitors to individual parks, such as less than 2% of visitors to Arizona's Saguaro National Park identifying as Hispanic despite 44% of the local population being Hispanic. In response, the National Park Service has initiatives to increase diversity, including public transportation programs to address lack of access being a major barrier. New bus lines connecting cities with large minority populations, like Fresno, to parks have increased minority visitation to places like Yosemite. However, more work remains as transportation funding moves slowly and surveys still find lack of access an issue deterring diversity at parks like Saguaro
This document introduces the UW System Student Reps newsletter. It provides an overview of UW System Student Reps, which is the statewide student government representing students across the UW system. The newsletter will cover what student leaders are doing on the statewide level. It then profiles the current executive board members and their roles in advocating for students, educating others on student needs, and representing UW System students.
This document summarizes research on Latino enrollment practices at for-profit colleges and universities. It finds that while Latino enrollment at for-profits is growing, completion rates for Latinos at these institutions remain significantly lower than at non-profit schools. The document analyzes recruitment tactics, costs, completion rates, and legislative opportunities to improve outcomes for Latino students.
Communities in schools pennsylvania announces continued improvement graduatio...slpr2013
Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania released a report showing continued improvement in graduation rates. The organization served nearly 39,000 students in 58 schools during the 2012-2013 school year. 69% of seniors receiving targeted support graduated, and 75% of students in grades K-11 who received support were promoted to the next grade. The organization works with schools, communities, and families to provide students with support to stay in school and succeed.
Joliz Cedeno, representing several youth organizations, presented to the UN Human Rights Committee on inequities in education, healthcare, and discipline facing young people in the United States. She described significant funding disparities between wealthy and low-income school districts, resulting in poorer educational resources and facilities for minority students. Harsh zero-tolerance discipline policies also disproportionately impact minority youth, pushing some into the juvenile justice system. Additionally, recent Medicaid cuts threaten healthcare access for millions of poor children, contradicting claims that the US provides free healthcare to all children. The organizations urged the Committee to hold the US accountable for protecting children's rights under international law.
The Council of Independent College's new fact sheet, “Student Debt: Myths and Facts,” contains new research to set the record straight by countering myths and providing facts about student debt.
The Council of Independent College's new fact sheet, “Private Colleges and STEM: Myths and Facts,” contains new research to set the record straight by countering myths and providing facts about the success of small, private colleges in preparing STEM majors for careers and graduate study.
20131108 Alger Faith-based Schools Their Contributions to American Education,...Vicki Alger
This document summarizes research on faith-based schools in the United States. Some key findings include: faith-based schools enroll nearly 4.4 million students across 21,023 schools; faith-based schools have smaller class sizes than public schools and are more commonly located in cities; faith-based school students often outperform public school students on standardized tests, especially disadvantaged groups; faith-based schools closely reflect the racial/ethnic diversity of the U.S. population; and faith-based schools provide estimated annual savings of over $50 billion to taxpayers compared to public school costs. The research also finds high levels of parental satisfaction with faith-based schools.
20050119 Murray and Aud A Guide to Understanding State Funding of Arizona Pub...Vicki Alger
This document summarizes a report on state funding of Arizona public school students. It finds that:
1) The average state base equalization funding per student in Arizona ranges from $4,200 to $4,600, while the average non-equalized district funding portion is $4,309.
2) The total average funding per student is between $8,500 and $9,000, though amounts may be higher for students with special needs.
3) If 5% of Arizona's public school students received education grants to attend private schools worth $3,500 for elementary and $4,500 for high school, it could save the state $32 million in fiscal year 2003 with minimal funding
Only $1 million of a required $35 million private endowment for Mississippi's three historically black universities has been raised so far. The endowment was part of a 2002 desegregation settlement to fund new programs and buildings. However, no fundraising campaign has been planned by the College Board responsible for raising the funds. University presidents are concerned that such an effort could conflict with their own fundraising campaigns. Raising the remaining money will be difficult but board members believe it is possible if a strategy is implemented.
The document summarizes news from Brightwood College's El Paso campus. It discusses the campus changing its name from Kaplan College to Brightwood College and holding an open house event. It also announces that Brightwood College will hold its first graduation ceremony in June, where three military student graduates will receive honorary cords. The document provides information on upcoming campus and community events in April, including the start of terms, career fairs, and holidays. It also includes sections on autism awareness, sexual assault prevention, veteran student scholarships, and the Student Veterans of America Vet Center Initiative grant program.
UNIVERSITY TUITION
State legislature tries to delay dramatic increase in university cost
The increase in university costs since 2003, when they were deregulated, has been three times that of salaries
Jorge Luis Sierra
Dec. 17, 2008
La Voz de Houston
This document summarizes research conducted by undergraduate students at the University of the Fraser Valley on youth voter engagement in British Columbia. The research was commissioned by the Chief Electoral Officer of BC to identify recommendations for increasing youth voter turnout.
The students reviewed literature on factors influencing youth voter participation and conducted a survey of UFV students on their voting behaviors and attitudes. Key findings from the survey included a voting rate of 81% among respondents in the 2015 federal election. Variables associated with increased voting included education, ethnicity, field of study, civic duty, altruism, and civic engagement.
Based on these results, the report proposes recommendations in two sections. The first section provides four recommendations for the Chief Electoral Officer that
LRAP at NACCAP 2018 | A Facilitated Discussion on Fear of Student Loan Debt &...Ardeo Education Solutions
What strategies are being implemented at your college or university to address the growing impact that fear of student debt is having on enrollment trends? Chime in using the comments below or tag us on Twitter (@LRAPassociation).
We've taken the time to scour the web for relevant data and statistics regarding the potential for impact fear of managing student debt after graduation might be having on the higher education choices students and families are making.
As a focal point for the facilitated discussion we are leading at NACCAP, we created this convenient take-home document with primary sources listed (and linked at http://lrap.org/NACCAP).
Over 50% of US students expect to study abroad but less than 10% actually do. In 2012, 289,000 US students studied abroad, only 1.5% of the 20 million US students. Minority student participation in study abroad has increased but still only represents 16% of US study abroad students. While the UK remained the top destination in 2013, there was a significant increase in students studying in places like China, Brazil and other areas of Asia over the past 15 years. The document calls for efforts to focus on expanding study abroad opportunities to the 90% of US students who have not yet participated.
EducationUSA Weekly Update for March 4, 2013EducationUSA
The document provides information on scholarships and fellowships for both undergraduate and graduate international students.
It lists several US universities that offer merit-based scholarships including Winona State University, Wesleyan College, Oklahoma Christian University, and St. Cloud State University. It also provides details on graduate fellowships offered by Pittsburg State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Nevada Reno.
The document additionally shares news items about an upcoming virtual student fair hosted by Hobsons Asia, an event at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where international students shared foods from their home countries, and housing options for international community college students.
This resume summarizes the educational and professional experience of Jereny Mendoza. Mendoza has a BA in Government and Interdisciplinary Studies from Eastern Washington University, where they held several paid research internships. They have conducted research on reducing recidivism rates among minorities and Latino business owners. Mendoza has presented their research at numerous conferences and published in an academic journal. They have also held leadership roles in community organizations and received various academic honors and scholarships.
Complimentary Research Resource: Fear of Student Loan Debt & Enrollment Impac...Ardeo Education Solutions
WeWe know the challenges you face as an enrollment professional are many and varied. We also know that communicating the complex realities of enrollment environments to peers on your campus, presidents, trustees, and committees can be one of them.
To aid you in painting a more complete picture, we’ve assembled and curated 38 data points covering research from 17 unique, trusted enrollment research sources into one easy to read, sharable document.
know the challenges you face as an enrollment professional are many and varied. We also know that communicating the complex realities of enrollment environments to peers on your campus, presidents, trustees, and committees can be one of them.
To aid you in painting a more complete picture, we’ve assembled and curated 38 data points covering research from 17 unique, trusted enrollment research sources into one easy to read, sharable document.
This report summarizes the results of a survey of over 1,200 Vermont college students about their plans after graduation. The top factors that would influence students to stay in Vermont are high-paying or meaningful jobs, affordable housing and cost of living, assistance with student loans, and personal relationships. Students gave Vermont its highest ratings for natural amenities but lowest ratings for affordable housing and transportation options. Open-ended responses indicated improved job opportunities, housing, and financial incentives could encourage more students to remain in the state.
While national park visitation has risen steadily, only one in five visitors is a person of color. Surveys show even lower percentages of minority visitors to individual parks, such as less than 2% of visitors to Arizona's Saguaro National Park identifying as Hispanic despite 44% of the local population being Hispanic. In response, the National Park Service has initiatives to increase diversity, including public transportation programs to address lack of access being a major barrier. New bus lines connecting cities with large minority populations, like Fresno, to parks have increased minority visitation to places like Yosemite. However, more work remains as transportation funding moves slowly and surveys still find lack of access an issue deterring diversity at parks like Saguaro
This document introduces the UW System Student Reps newsletter. It provides an overview of UW System Student Reps, which is the statewide student government representing students across the UW system. The newsletter will cover what student leaders are doing on the statewide level. It then profiles the current executive board members and their roles in advocating for students, educating others on student needs, and representing UW System students.
This document summarizes research on Latino enrollment practices at for-profit colleges and universities. It finds that while Latino enrollment at for-profits is growing, completion rates for Latinos at these institutions remain significantly lower than at non-profit schools. The document analyzes recruitment tactics, costs, completion rates, and legislative opportunities to improve outcomes for Latino students.
Communities in schools pennsylvania announces continued improvement graduatio...slpr2013
Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania released a report showing continued improvement in graduation rates. The organization served nearly 39,000 students in 58 schools during the 2012-2013 school year. 69% of seniors receiving targeted support graduated, and 75% of students in grades K-11 who received support were promoted to the next grade. The organization works with schools, communities, and families to provide students with support to stay in school and succeed.
Joliz Cedeno, representing several youth organizations, presented to the UN Human Rights Committee on inequities in education, healthcare, and discipline facing young people in the United States. She described significant funding disparities between wealthy and low-income school districts, resulting in poorer educational resources and facilities for minority students. Harsh zero-tolerance discipline policies also disproportionately impact minority youth, pushing some into the juvenile justice system. Additionally, recent Medicaid cuts threaten healthcare access for millions of poor children, contradicting claims that the US provides free healthcare to all children. The organizations urged the Committee to hold the US accountable for protecting children's rights under international law.
This document summarizes research on the educational challenges faced by students in foster care and potential solutions. It finds that foster care students have much poorer educational and life outcomes compared to the general population, including lower academic achievement, higher rates of grade retention, special education placement, dropping out, and less likelihood of attending or graduating from college. Their challenges are exacerbated by the instability of frequently changing schools due to changes in placement. Expanding education options through scholarship programs could help address these challenges by improving school stability, achievement, and life outcomes for foster care students.
073115 - FAXED COMPLAINT TO EARL WATKINS (Conservator - Claiborne County Publ...VogelDenise
This document outlines concerns about the conditions of the Claiborne County Public School District in Mississippi, alleging it is implementing a "school-to-prison pipeline" that disproportionately impacts African American students. Specific issues raised include asbestos at the middle school, lack of funding for repairs, inadequate facilities and equipment at the high school, and failure to address safety issues like broken sprinkler systems and needed weight room equipment. The document requests responses from the conservator about the district's relationship with a law firm and plans to address the identified problems.
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...nmartin7136
The document discusses the problem of high school dropouts in the United States and provides examples of successful dropout recovery programs. It finds that around 6.3 million 18-24 year olds have not completed high school and discusses the negative consequences. It then highlights 12 communities that have implemented effective dropout recovery programs through schools, community colleges, and job training. Finally, it recommends five actions states can take to support dropout recovery like tracking students, alternative education options, and competency-based credits.
This presentation examines the school-to-prison pipeline, defined as a trend of pushing disadvantaged children out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems through zero-tolerance policies and increased law enforcement in K-12 schools. It discusses how minority, disabled, and low-income students are disproportionately affected starting in preschool. The pipeline is most prevalent in Southern states that heavily utilize zero-tolerance policies. Recommendations are provided to curb this problem through alternative discipline practices, policy reforms, and support for struggling students.
The document discusses several issues facing the US education system, including resistance to change, high dropout rates, and achievement gaps between racial groups. Educational researchers argue the current system is not meeting the needs of all students. While dropout rates have declined overall since 1980, they remain higher for Hispanic and black students compared to whites. The document calls for reforms that place students at the core and embrace diversity to better prepare all children.
Sex ed continues to be a touchy subject - Feature Story, Local News - The She...Cassidy Belus
While 47% of high school students in Wyoming report having sex, sex education standards vary widely between school districts in Sheridan County. Some districts focus only on abstinence, while others discuss contraception but do not go into depth on LGBT topics due to perceived community resistance. The Wyoming Department of Education provides guidelines but allows flexibility for districts to design their own curricula.
Civic 101 PowerPoint Presentation by Tajah Stricklandtstrickland1
The school-to-prison pipeline refers to the trend where students, particularly from marginalized communities, are disproportionately pushed out of schools and into the criminal justice system. Zero-tolerance policies, excessive disciplinary measures, and school resource officers contribute most to this trend. If left unaddressed, it can lead to a lack of funding for education, increased juvenile detention, decreased access to education, and more discriminatory practices. Several organizations in Kansas City, Chicago, and Texas are working to disrupt this pipeline through restorative justice training, keeping police out of schools, and empowering youth voices in policy.
Running head Persuasive Essay Draft1 Persuasive Essay Draft2P.docxcharisellington63520
Running head: Persuasive Essay Draft 1
Persuasive Essay Draft 2Persuasive Essay Draft
Calvin Booker
Rasmussen CollegeAuthor Note
This assignment is being submitted on November 29th, 2015 to Jennifer Propp for
English Composition
Persuasive Essay Draft
I think there is a way to eliminate or should I say diminish bullying and violence that stem from articles of clothing or apparel. This is the reason I propose for all children, grades K-12, to wear uniforms. There are plenty of reasons that this proposal should be considered.
Some children do not have parents that are financially wealthy, as a result of that; some parents cannot afford the really expensive clothing that the other children are wearing. With that being said, I have found a solution to these problems. Uniforms would at least stop the appearance motive for bullying, gang activity, and could potentially save the parents some extra cash. Bullying is only one dilemma as to why school uniforms should be mandatory in schools today.
In 2013, the average cost for back to school clothing (street clothes) was $688.62, this year it is expected to be around $634.78. Although street clothes seem to be on the decline, the costs compared to uniforms are significantly higher in price. The average cost for school uniforms should be around $249.00 in 2014, a huge savings in comparison. Uniforms could change all of this and I have come up with a plan to get the ball rolling. If all students wore neutral or natural colored uniforms (tan or black khakis, white or black collared shirts, and only white socks), no logos can be visible on any article of clothing, and all undergarments should be white or black this would cut down on a lot of the bullying, teasing, and gang activity. I understand that this policy isn’t going to take all the problems away, but it would cut some of the violence and non-sense down tremendously.
Suicide from bullying is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year. Also, according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 45% of high school students have gangs or gang members on their campuses. I would not want my child being wrongfully mistaken for a gang member. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 45% of high school students have gangs or gang members on their campuses. Students who join gangs may change their style of dress; adopt a nickname or abuse drugs and alcohol. “Gang-related apparel” is hazardous to the health and safety of the school environment. So adopting mandatory uniforms would eliminate gang-related apparel all together and there would be at least one less thing to worry about on that level.
Children have been seen getting picked on for not having the flashy and trendy name brand clothing; this has been proven that it could lead to suicide or suicide attempts. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year. A st.
20110830 Alger Safety Opportunity Scholarships (SOS) How States Can Fulfill t...Vicki Alger
The document discusses school safety statistics and issues with the current federal approach to addressing unsafe schools. It finds that while school violence statistics have improved, a substantial number of schools still report criminal incidents each year, including violent crimes. Nearly 80% of schools report violent incidents and 20% report serious violent incidents. Crime statistics are similar across urban, suburban, and higher/lower minority enrollment schools. However, the current federal policy labels fewer than 50 schools as "persistently dangerous" each year, failing to provide meaningful safety information or options to students at risk. The document recommends states adopt a Safety Opportunity Scholarship program to better empower parents and improve school safety.
20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...Vicki Alger
This document analyzes 133 public schools that received the No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon award in 2007 for scoring in the top 10% on state assessments. It finds that over a third of these schools had at least 25% of students in one grade scoring below proficiency in at least one core subject. On average, more than a quarter of students in two grades scored below proficiency in two subjects. While these schools received the prestigious Blue Ribbon award, a closer examination reveals many were concealing poor academic performance, especially for disadvantaged student groups. The document calls for greater transparency in state test data and proficiency standards to improve accountability and ensure the Blue Ribbon designation is a reliable indicator of school quality.
There is a growing population of homeless college students in the United States that faces unique challenges compared to other students. These students must worry about food and shelter in addition to their studies. While some colleges have programs to help homeless students, there is no nationwide effort. The document argues that the Department of Education should investigate ways to assist homeless college students through dedicated campus offices and a federal commission to collect data and propose solutions. Having confidential campus resources could help homeless students complete their education despite their circumstances.
20061105 Murray and Mattix Enable the Disabled An Analysis of the Kentucky St...Vicki Alger
This document analyzes a proposed scholarship program in Kentucky called the Kentucky Students with Special Needs Scholarship Program. It begins with an overview of issues with the current special education system, including that it focuses more on compliance than student achievement. It then discusses data showing over-identification of special needs students in Kentucky and the financial incentives this creates. The document outlines several other state scholarship programs for special needs students. It analyzes how Kentucky's proposed program could help address over-identification, reduce compliance costs, and estimates the potential savings to the state. In conclusion, it finds the program could save Kentucky over $500 million over the next decade by offering more options for parents and incentives to accurately identify students.
Rankin Student Experiences with Unstable HousingLeah Rankin
The survey found that many University of Washington students experience housing instability or are impacted by others' unstable housing situations. Of the 216 survey respondents, 58% reported some degree of personal housing instability and 88% reported being impacted by housing instability in some way. At least 80 respondents experienced homelessness, including 35 who were street homeless, during their time at the university. Housing instability negatively impacted students' ability to make friends, keep up academically, and participate in extracurricular activities. The results suggest that housing instability among students is a significant issue and barriers unique to student status contribute to the problem.
Omar FallatahEnglish 101 Mr. Andrew Vanden BosschePove.docxhopeaustin33688
Omar Fallatah
English 101
Mr. Andrew Vanden Bossche
Poverty has negatively affected the Education in America
There are almost 2,7 million
The most people who have effected by poverty are low income.
They extremely have a hard time to build their future. According to the New York Times, “Another 2.6 million people slipped into poverty in the United States last year. According to the Census Bureau reported , and the number of Americans living below the official poverty line, 46.2 million people, was the highest number in the 52 years the bureau has been publishing figures on it. And in new signs of distress among the middle class, median household incomes fell last year to levels last seen in 1996.Lower income families who have a large number of children will accord this problem .The households can't cover the home needing. They have not the all ability to cover the family needing. There are many issues that really impact these people. There is so much stuff for lower income to cover in united state. They must to buy car insurance, health insurance, school tuition and others households needing."
By the year 2020, the majority of students in America's public schools will be living in circumstances that will categorize them as at risk of educational failure. A person's education is closely linked to the individual's life chances, income, and well being"
(Battle and Lewis 2002). Moreover, in the last ten years, there was growing a huge gap between the top income class and the less income class
There are three issues which are the most effected the education in America. They are food supply, The lower income people can't provide enough food for themselves. The households are having a hard time to provide en enough food for their children. Drop-off in the reach of U.S. summer nutrition programs in 2010 and ongoing budget-cutting at state and local levels suggest that many schoolchildren in the United States will face another summer of hunger this year. According to a new report from the Food Research and Action Center, despite record numbers of children receiving free and reduced-price meals during the 2009-10 school years, participation in federal summer nutrition programs fell nationally in 2010. FRAC reports that in July 2010 only 15 children received nutrition aid for every 100 low-income students who received lunch during the 2009-10 school years. The food supply is really affected the kids to be success in their school. The way to solve this issue is must provide enough food that could be useful to a void . " One in eight Americans — 37 million — received emergency food help last year, up 46% from 2005, the nation's largest hunger-relief group reports today. Children are hit particularly hard, according to the report by Feeding America, a network of 203 food banks nationwide. One in five children, 14 million, received food from soup kitchens, food pantries and other agencies, up from 9 million in 2005, the year of the group's la.
The document is an article from a journal that examines the impact of high-stakes standardized testing mandated by No Child Left Behind on minority student dropout rates. It summarizes research finding that states with exit exams have higher dropout rates than those without, and that minority students, especially black males, are disproportionately impacted. The article asserts that cultural and socioeconomic biases may disadvantage these students on standardized tests, and that fear of failure can drive students to drop out of school. Overall, it argues the emphasis on testing exacerbates the dropout crisis in the US.
Lavada M. Walden & William Allan Kritsonis, PhD - Article: The Impact of the ...William Kritsonis
Lavada M. Walden & William Allan Kritsonis, PhD - Article: The Impact of the Correlation Between The No Child Left Behind Act's High Stakes Testing and the High Drop-out Rates of Minority Students - Published in the DOCTORAL FORUM: NATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PUBLISHING AND MENTORING DOCTORAL STUDENT RESEARCH, 5(1) 2008.
Currently, Dr. Kritsonis is Professor of Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University – Member of the Texas A&M University System. He teaches in the PhD Program in Educational Leadership. Dr. Kritsonis taught the Inaugural class session in the doctoral program at the start of the fall 2004 academic year. In October 2006, Dr. Kritsonis chaired the first doctoral student to earn a PhD in Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University. He has chaired over 21 doctoral dissertations. He lives in Houston, Texas.
Strassberg, petra gender and faculty rank focus v8 n1 2014William Kritsonis
Dr. Kritsonis has traveled and lectured extensively throughout the United States and world-wide. Some international travels include Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Turkey, Italy, Greece, Monte Carlo, England, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Switzerland, Grand Cayman, Haiti, St. Maarten, St. John, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico, Nassau, Freeport, Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Canada, Curacao, Costa Rico, Aruba, Venezuela, Panama, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Latvia, Spain, Honduras, and many more. He has been invited to lecture and serve as a guest professor at many universities across the nation and abroad.
Including Disability in Sexual Violence Prevention and Education EffortsLindsey Brown
The document proposes ways for the University of Oregon to better include and serve students with disabilities in its sexual violence prevention and education efforts. It outlines that people with disabilities experience sexual assault at much higher rates but have been largely excluded from these programs. The document recommends that UO (1) create an informational packet about sexual violence and disability, (2) make existing programming more inclusive, (3) adopt new programming focused on disability, and (4) expand its disability studies program to promote a more inclusive community. Implementing these recommendations would help address the urgent need to protect students with disabilities from sexual violence.
2. ______________________________________ ______________________________________2
Table of Contents
Audio Journalism (click links to listen) Page 2
Written, produced and edited by Jason Fuller
o WAMU Howard’s ‘Epic Homecoming’
o WAMU Maryland Hoop Legend
o WAMU A Boxer’s Future
o WAMU A Boxing Hub
o WAMU Anacostia Unmapped
o Being LGBTQ Post Orlando
o Industrial Prison Complex
Visual Journalism (click links to listen) Page 2
Written, produced and edited by Jason Fuller
o Video Reel of professional work
o Cosmetic Diversity in Academia: Students
o Gentrification or Urban Renewal
o Cosmetic Diversity in Academia
o NPR Next Generation Radio
Articles
o Disproportionate Suspensions Page 3
Published by Truth-out.org
o Virginia Senate Race Funding Page 7
Published by WRIC-TV
o Greek Festival
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch Page 11
o Trump Tower Climber Page 13
Published by New York Daily News
o Frederick Douglass Op-ed Page 15
o Cosmetic Diversity in Academia Page 18
o Urban Renewal or Re-Gentrification Page 21
4. ______________________________________ ______________________________________4
students to be suspended or expelled from school, according to our original analysis of data
compiled by the US Department of Education.
The data also includes statistics on other ethnic groups, but in our investigation we focused in
particular on the glaring and well-documented disparity between white and Black students using
data collected by the department's Office for Civil Rights for the 2011-2012 academic year. The
statistics show that nationwide 15 percent of Black students received out-of-school suspensions,
compared with 4 percent of white students.
In several states, the disparities were especially alarming: Wisconsin suspended 26 percent of its
Black students, but just 3 percent of its white students. In Minnesota, Connecticut, Iowa and
Nebraska, Black students were six times more likely than white students to be suspended from
school.
Virginia's statistics were similar to the national numbers: 14 percent of the commonwealth's
Black students received suspensions, versus 5 percent of white students.
Expulsions are far less common than suspensions, but the pattern is the same. Nationwide, 1.6 of
every 1,000 white students were expelled from school in 2011-2012, compared with five of
every 1,000 Black students.
Ultimately, national data suggest that Black students are the overwhelming likely candidates for
expulsions in comparison to their white counterparts -- even in school districts where
demographically Black students are the unequivocal minority.
Virginia: A Case Study in Disproportionate Discipline
In Virginia, about two of every 1,000 African-American students were expelled, versus one of
every 1,000 white students.
Other journalists also have looked at the US Education Department's Civil Rights Data
Collection. The Center for Public Integrity, for example, focused on the number of students who
were arrested or referred to police.
Its reporters found that Virginia had the highest rate in the United States for calling police on
students: Of every 1,000 students in the commonwealth, almost 16 were arrested or referred to
law enforcement in 2011-2012. Nationwide, the figure was about six in every 1,000 students.
Virginia's tendency to call the cops on kids has led Gov. Terry McAuliffe to initiate
"Classrooms, not Courtrooms" in order to reduce disproportionate police referrals for students of
color and students with disabilities. McAuliffe's new state initiative comes as the Center for
Public Integrity reports that Virginia leads the nation in police and court system referrals.
McAuliffe's policy sets out to eliminate suspensions for minor offenses, such as cursing and
refusing to sit down, in order to keep students in the classroom. Suspensions of this nature
contribute to the "push-out" - not dropout - rate in schools, where students fall behind
academically due to time out of school on account of behavior. "We cannot have our schools
viewed as hostile environments where children are branded as criminals," McAuliffe said.
5. ______________________________________ ______________________________________5
The data shows racial disparities when police get involved with students. In Virginia, for
instance, about 25 of every 1,000 African-American students were arrested or referred to police,
as opposed to 13 of every 1,000 white students.
In conjunction with the disproportionate suspensions of students by race nationally lies a
disparity among students within the commonwealth's school districts. For instance, on a micro
level, Greensville County Public Schools has a 64 percent Black student suspension rate -- in
contrast to Hispanic students at 25 percent and white students at 30 percent of students
suspended.
Virginia's percentage rate of expelled students is not indicative of any disproportionate targeting,
due to the racial makeup of certain school districts, but larger school districts such as Henrico
and Fairfax have glaring disparities.
The existence of this polarity has many reformers and advocates of school policy uniting with
parents in order to address this disparity.
Efforts to Reduce Disparities
Daniel Losen, director of the Center for Civil Rights Remedies, conducts research on this very
topic and fosters comprehensive reform of school policy. In the publication "Discipline Policies,
Successful Schools, and Racial Justice," he recognized that nationwide more than 3 million
students were suspended at least once during the 2006 school year. This is approximately 7
percent of students enrolled in both primary and secondary public schools.
Solutions to this epidemic are outlined in Losen's publication, where he recommends that school
districts with high rates of exclusions implement technical assistance in classrooms and
behavioral management.
Evandra Catherine, 32, has a son with a disability enrolled in Richmond Public Schools. She
expressed a concern that her child is vulnerable to the school district's policies.
"I am aware of my son's school district's financial plight when it comes to managing normal
students," Catherine told Truthout. "So I have to be extra vigilant of his treatment, because of the
lack of resources in play, which may recommend discipline instead of accommodating him."
Dr. Russell Houck, executive director of student services for Culpeper County Public Schools in
Virginia, is an advocate of case-by-case disciplinary policy. He believes mild and moderate
violations should receive mild and moderate levels of punishment.
"We work really hard to give students help, not punishment," Houck told Truthout. "For kids
who have a chronic history of disruption, we have a students' assistance program where they can
receive counseling and stay in school."
Houck said that this framework allows students to stay in school and by doing so prevents them
from falling behind in class.
"Discipline in my world means to teach," he said. "We need to find new ways to teach them
coping skills in order to get to the root of the problem, both behaviorally and instructionally."
6. ______________________________________ ______________________________________6
Note: The national and Virginia-based statistics on racial disparities in discipline rates in this
article were respectively calculated based on data from the Center for Public Integrity and the
Civil Rights Data Collection. This spreadsheet presents our original calculations of these racial
disparities.
***
7. ______________________________________ ______________________________________7
http://wric.com/2015/10/16/virginia-senate-hopefuls-get-cash-from-party-groups/
Virginia Senate hopefuls get cash from party
groups
By Jason Fuller
October 16, 2015
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As the Nov. 3 election approaches, the candidates for the District
10 seat in the Virginia Senate are asking not only for your vote but also for your financial
support. And in the money race, Republican nominee Glen Sturtevant is catching up to his
Democratic opponent, Dan Gecker.
During September, Sturtevant received $374,525 in cash donations, mostly from Republican
Party organizations, according to campaign finance reports filed Thursday. That means he has
raised $622,530 during the campaign.
8. ______________________________________ ______________________________________8
Gecker received $187,054 in cash donations last month, mostly from Democratic Gov. Terry
McAuliffe’s political action committee, Common Good Virginia. For the entire campaign,
Gecker has now raised $770,712.
Moreover, both candidates received a lot of in-kind contributions — donated goods and services,
such as mailings and canvassing — in September. Gecker’s in-kind donations totaled $241,656,
largely from the state Democratic Party, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and the
Planned Parenthood Virginia PAC. Sturtevant’s in-kind contributions totaled $70,412, almost all
from the state Republican Party.
Gecker, a member of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, and Sturtevant, a member of
the Richmond School Board, are vying to succeed retiring Sen. John Watkins of Chesterfield.
Watkins is a Republican who has sided with Democrats on some issues such as expanding
Medicaid.
Also on the ballot are Carl Loser, a Libertarian who has raised $5,634, and Marleen K Durfee, an
independent who has raised $17,466.
From Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, Sturtevant has received nearly 60 percent of his campaign funds
from three groups:
$180,000 from the Republican State Leadership Committee in Washington
$97,000 from the Middle Resolution PAC in Mechanicsville
9. ______________________________________ ______________________________________9
$91,709 from the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus
About 23 percent of Sturtevant’s donations have come from individuals and the rest from
political organizations and businesses.
Gecker’s largest cash donor is Common Good Virginia. In addition, he has contributed $95,000
to his own campaign. And Urban Development Associates, a Richmond business that revitalizes
and preserves historic areas and is co-owned by Gecker, gave his campaign $60,000.
Other large donors include Trustworthy Real Estate LLC of Richmond, $30,000; Sonjia Smith of
Charlottesville, $25,000; and the Rebkee Co., a Midlothian developer, also $25,000.
Gecker has received 43 percent of his cash donations from individuals and the rest from PACs
and businesses.
The 10th Senate District includes Powhatan County and parts of Chesterfield County and the city
of Richmond. It is one of a handful of Senate districts that political analysts say is up for grabs.
Donations are important in helping candidates get their message to the public and get their
supporters to the polls, said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science and
international affairs at the University of Mary Washington.
“Money is used for advertisements, campaign mailings and door-to-door messaging,” he said.
The 10th District election could decide which political party controls the Virginia Senate,
Farnsworth noted.
10. ______________________________________ ______________________________________10
“The Senate is divided 21 to 19 in favor of Republicans,” he said. “If the Democrats win the 10th
District seat and hold their current seats, then it will be 20 to 20.” That would give Democrats the
edge because tie votes in the Senate are decided by the lieutenant governor — currently Ralph
Northam, a Democrat.
But if Sturtevant wins the 10th Senate District seat, the Republicans will cause trouble for
McAuliffe.
“It would make things tough for the governor to get anything done over the next two years,
forcing a possible gridlock in Richmond,” Farnsworth said.
***
11. ______________________________________ ______________________________________11
http://www.richmond.com/news/local/article_f3a91045-b437-54a8-b637-be1949d98d22.html
As many as 30,000 expected as Greek Festival
turns 40
By Jason Fuller
May 28, 2016
To some, the word “Greek” brings to mind history and mythology, conjuring up images of
philosophers and gods. But in Richmond, the word is increasingly tied to good times and good
food, thanks to the Richmond Greek Festival.
The 40th annual festival kicked off Thursday and runs through Sunday.
St. Constantine and St. Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral has hosted the event since 1976. It has
seen the Richmond-area community gravitate to its cause and cuisine, both of which started off
as small-scale initiatives.
The festival gives away $5,000 a day to various charities — Richmond Friends of the Homeless
on Thursday, C2 Adopt today, Autism Society Central Virginia on Saturday, and Elijah House
Academy on Sunday.
As many as 30,000 people now make their way to the event each year, which can present a
challenge when it comes to the logistics.
Scott Stolte, an executive committee member and participant of 10 years, oversees this aspect,
and this year, 200 volunteers are being enlisted each day to ensure fluidity.
“Forty years is 40 years — it’s a long time for a festival,” Stolte said.
Stolte got involved by accident as he saw his mother-in-law, Pat Soto, overwhelmed at her pastry
booth.
12. ______________________________________ ______________________________________12
“I asked her did she need some help, she said sure, and I’ve been involved ever since,” he said.
“I do it out of love for her.”
Over its four decades, the festival has acclimated to the growing crowds by establishing a drive-
thru.
“This dates back approximately 20 years,” said Manny Juranis, operations coordinator of the
drive-thru.
He recalls serving visitors from as far away as South Carolina and New York.
“They’ve gotten outside of their cars and started taking photos and recording everything out of
amazement,” Juranis said.
The food keeps people coming back year after year, thanks to traditional favorites like Greek
cheesecake, gyros and Greek honey dumplings, and newer fare such as calamari, pistachio
(Greek lasagna) and Greek yogurt pops.
“There’s one request upon your arrival,” Stolte said. “Bring your appetite, family and friends.”
***
13. ______________________________________ ______________________________________13
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/man-scaled-trump-tower-changed-article-1.2747133
Trump Tower climber: Everything we know
about 19-year-old daredevil Michael Ryan
Michael Ryan made it up to the 21st floor before an elite NYPD Emergency Services Unit team yanked him into a window
they had opened.
By Jason Fuller, Rocco Parascandola, Larry McShare
August 11, 2016
The Trump-loving teen busted for scaling The Donald’s namesake tower skipped a family
vacation and assumed a new identity before launching his strange skyscraper odyssey.
Michael Ryan of Great Falls, who hoped to meet with Donald Trump, instead spent time
Thursday with Bellevue Hospital doctors for a psychiatric evaluation.
Ryan, 19, a high school dropout whose track career ended with foot surgery, was working at a
Virginia gardening center before making the 242-mile pilgrimage to Trump Tower, cops and
neighbors said.
14. ______________________________________ ______________________________________14
His parents returned Wednesday night from a European getaway to discover their son was
arrested by the NYPD after wall-crawling to the 21st floor of the 58-story Midtown building.
Cops said his only reason for making the trip in his Honda Accord was to grab some face time
with Trump. The teen, who used handheld suction cups for the climb, was charged Thursday
with reckless endangerment and criminal trespass in the bizarre stunt.
“I don’t understand why he would do something that dangerous,” said Richard Coyle, who lives
two doors down from the Ryans.
Tom and Carolyn Garofalo, who live next door in the neighborhood of $1 million homes, said
Ryan seemed fine when they invited him over for dinner this week. He was left alone when the
rest of his family toured Naples, Pompeii and Rome.
“Just keep them in your prayers,” Carolyn Garofalo said.
The daredevil’s mom, Gina Ryan, told cops her son might be autistic, a police source told the
Daily News. The climber’s father is a Navy captain.
Sources said the teen was worried about appearing on camera during his painfully slow, nearly
three-hour excursion.
Despite the chaos caused by Ryan’s climb, the teen’s conservative politics and spotty academic
record might be enough to spark a bromance with Trump.
“I love the poorly educated,” Trump declared in March, when polls indicated he had the most
supporters of any candidate among voters with a high school education or less.
The day before his daring climb, Ryan posted a YouTube video saying he wanted a meeting with
Trump. He also asked people to vote for the Republican presidential nominee.
Ryan checked into the $305-a-night Bowery Hotel before heading to Midtown with his
collection of suction cups. He arrived carrying newly minted IDs under the name Stephen
Rogata, police sources said. The name change was possibly done to cover his tracks in the likely
event of Ryan’s arrest.
Ryan worked at Pots and Plants, a gardening store.
“He was on vacation for a week and was supposed to come back Wednesday,” said the owner,
who asked not to be identified. “And when we saw the news, we figured he wouldn’t be in.”
Ryan’s Facebook page indicated he started working for the Fairfax County Republican
Committee in 2013. The group said “a Michael Ryan was an intern with our organization some
time before 2014.”
***
15. ______________________________________ ______________________________________15
Turning to Frederick Douglass
Newly-erected statue of Frederick Douglass on the University of Maryland’s campus, Douglass was born in
Tuckahoe, MD
By Jason Fuller
RICHMOND—Black History Month serves as an opportunity to pay homage to innumerable
African-American pioneers across professions whose tireless efforts manifest today. And as
February approaches, celebrations and ceremonies commemorating our heroes and sheroes will
ask a question such as “Are Black Americans truly free from the injustice, persecution, and in all
honesty, slavery?”
The advent of technology allows the African-American community to document senseless and
unwarranted acts of violence inflicted by law enforcement. However, the ultimate unsavory
entrée served to African-American communities are grand juries’ failure to see criminal
malfeasance. How should Black Americans cope with this plight with absolutely no end in sight
to this injustice? How should we cope with this?
As a millennial born in the late 1980s, I found strength, solace, empowerment, hope, gusto and
zeal not from music, but from reading. I have found the greatest source of answers from looking
back into history through the eyes of Frederick Douglass.
16. ______________________________________ ______________________________________16
In the Narrative of Frederick Douglass, Douglass illustrates the horrors and bleakness of life as
an enslaved person in the early 19th
century. Society should learn from Douglass’ first hand
experiences, because notwithstanding his egregious circumstance, he stayed persistent and was
able to sit at the table of humanity and taste freedom.
One of Douglass’ foremost quotes reads “I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I
prayed with my legs.” In other words, he no longer wished to serve as anyone’s inferior and was
determined to be the captain of his fate. Unfortunately, Douglass was stuck in a state of
hopelessness and it took a watershed moment to awaken his mind, body and soul to do wonders.
This moment led to his epoch showdown with his cruel and dehumanizing overseer, Covey.
During this preeminent clash, he was determined to inflict reciprocal retribution to his
oppressors. It led to a David versus Goliath stalemate, Douglass summoned his eternal warrior
spirit and in doing so seized Covey by the throat. Simultaneously and concurrently, this threshold
moment of virility catapulted him into the thinking of a freeman. Standing up to his nemesis was
liberating and hence there after served as a baptism by fire after effect where Douglass was
forever looking over his shoulder; a price he was willing to pay.
Fast forwarding to
contemporary times,
who or what is Black
America’s showdown
with? Who is the
Covey of today? This
can be both a
complex and a
straightforward task.
Systematic, personal,
and internalized
racism must be noted,
addressed and
ultimately eliminated.
However, combatting
this means
marginalized people
must, like Douglass,
be prepared to fight and agitate the opposition while teaching and empowering one another.
In order to empower, we must embrace ideologies from various movements orchestrated by
African-Americans and to those who wish to aid us in these movement. Somehow, a fissure was
conceived between Black Lives Matter and some African-American communities mainly because
of a disagreement in strategy and usage of polarizing rhetoric. We must coalesce even if we are
not congruent with every approach because, if not, we will suffer as a community.
17. ______________________________________ ______________________________________17
Black History Month is typically designated as a time to revel in the accomplishments of our
ancestors, their struggle and how we presently reap the benefits of their efforts. African-
Americans and allies for racial equality can cement their place in history if we are able to
cohesively strategize and erect strong institutions of economics, education, and agriculture in
order to unilaterally move upward. This must be the call to action this February.
Last November, a statue was erected of Frederick Douglass on the University of Maryland’s
campus. It is worth noting that during Douglass’ illustrious career as an orator, abolitionist,
journalist and U.S. Marshal, Douglass never made an appearance on this campus, but the fruits
of his harvest do.
***
18. ______________________________________ ______________________________________18
Easy to Get in, Hard to Graduate
By Jason Fuller
RICHMOND–Despite the seemingly endless options of colleges and universities to attend (more
than 7,000), some students are finding a lack of cultural diversity on their campuses.
Every year, U.S. News & World Report’s ranks colleges and universities based on numerous
criteria, but they do not include cultural diversity as a ranking factor. The influential publication
excludes this factor despite the growing number of students becoming first-generation college
students from underrepresented groups.
From 1996 to 2012, college enrollment among Hispanics ages 18 to 24 increased by 240 percent
and increased by 72 percent among African-Americans, according to the Pew Research Center
(PRC). However, the PRC noticed Hispanics only represented nine percent of adults between the
ages of 25 to 29 with a bachelor’s degree, because of Hispanics decreased chances of being at
four-year colleges and securing full-time student status.
As a result, many insist that the full effects of diversity can’t be measured. “We are at a state of
emergency,” said Dr. Don Trahan Jr., diversity and inclusion specialist and multicultural
clinician at The University of New Mexico. He said that the statistics are disheartening and point
to a structural issue.
“Diversity is any cultural factor—cultural factors being used loosely—that one may [be
presented] with, and the intersectionality of cultural factors of what make up one’s unique lens or
world view. That world view is diversity.”
Dr. Trahan argues that academia limits this definition, and presents diversity as a dominant
cultural factor like race or ethnicity.
Ron McNeal, a 31-year-old Florida State University alumni and graduate of NYU’s international
affairs program, is a Filipino American and views diversity at NYU from a different paradigm.
“Although I am a Filipino, I consider myself to be an American. In my NYU program I felt like I
was the minority because everyone else is not an American. I was the only one without an
accent,” he said.
Vierka Vasquez is a 25-year-old graduate student at NYU studying international affairs and an
alumnus from CUNY. She lamented on her polar opposite academic experience.
“Our program was mostly full of white American students and international transfer students
from Asia. Very few Hispanics and African-Americans,” said Vasquez. “We never had an
African-American professor at NYU. Our professors were mainly male – white/European
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professors with their PhDs. I won’t generalize because I’m not sure of NYU’s undergrad
population, but CUNY was very diverse – full of African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians.”
After speaking with numerous minority students, many from large public institutions found
getting accepted into school easy; however, finishing presented the biggest challenge. It turns out
that an unsafe learning environment in tandem with being one of the only students of a certain
demographic contributes to low or delayed graduation rates.
Comparing Schools
Using Trahan’s diversity framework, 10 institutions were selected where their graduation and
retention rates, demographics and diversity initiatives would be analyzed side-by-side. The
following institutions were selected: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), University of
Illinois at Chicago (UIC), University of New Mexico (UNM), Georgetown University, John
Hopkins University, New York University (NYU), City University of New York (CUNY),
Prairie View A&M University, Florida State University (FSU) and Howard University. The
selected schools were chosen to determine if diversity was present across the country, regardless
of school prestige.
The analysis featured data collected from the National Center for Education Statistics and its
2006 incoming cohort class as well as 2013-2014 fiscal allocation breakdown. Below is a
juxtaposition of the institutions.
Cosmetic Diversity: Who’s Doing Good in Class
Create bar charts
The aforementioned chart can be partitioned into three categories based on 4-year graduation
rates: High (Georgetown, NYU, and John Hopkins), Medium (Florida State, Howard, Illinois-
Chicago and VCU), and Low (University of New Mexico, Prairie View A&M and CUNY). Five
of these schools are classified as “peer institutions” (UIC, VCU, FSU, UNM and NYU).
Zane Berge and Yi-Ping Huang’s 2004 article, A Model for Sustainable Student Retention: A
Holistic Perspective on the Student Dropout Problem with Special Attention to e-
Learning, demonstrates this issue in academia and calls for more attention to completing a
program and student success.
Dr. Cherese Fine, program coordinator at Clemson University’s Charles H. Houston Center for
the Study of the Black Experience in Education, recognizes the need for more emphasis on
student success and creates strategies at Clemson to promote this. She faces an uphill climb.
“We tend to get dinged when it comes to diversity. We excel in all other areas – just not
diversity,” she said. “African-Americans are 30 percent of the state’s population but only
represents 6 to 8 percent of the study body.”
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In addition to the lack of cultural diversity among Clemson’s student body, their faculty do not
appear to represent of the state or country’s makeup. “We have about 1,200 instructional faculty
members. Of those, 1,000 are Caucasian, 36 are African-American, 105 [are] Asian-American
and 21 [are] Hispanic faculty members,” said Fine.
This framework of magnifying students is housed under student services and academic support.
Analyzing the data from the surveyed institutions shows that only Georgetown has double-digit
funding allocated toward student services. The data underscores a significant gap where
Georgetown University students graduate at a rate nearly 7.5 times more than University of New
Mexico students in a four-year span.
Michael Perkins is a second year Ph.D. student of Public Policy at Virginia Commonwealth
University and attributes his success to his academic prowess and mentorship from African-
American professors. Perkins recognizes he was lucky to find mentors of color in his program
because his program is not culturally representative of VCU.
“Before me, my program’s cohort didn’t have African-Americans for at least two cycles,”
Perkins said.
Perkins believes that diversity in academia has many layers and will remain a hot topic for years
to come.
“I’d be remised if I didn’t applaud VCU’s diversity effort. It’s just a new plight of inequality in
society, but I’m hopeful.”
***
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Urban Renewal or Re-Gentrification:
Reconstructing Richmond
By Jason Fuller
RICHMOND — While residents of Richmond acknowledge that change and opportunities have
come to their city some are finding it harder to either reside in or relate to their community.
While many Richmonders welcome the arrival of new businesses and revamped housing, others
view the changes as signs of more than just simply renewing old spaces, but instead as
gentrification. Gentrification is the process of buying and renovating property in urban
neighborhoods by upper- and middle-class families, which improves the property value but often
displaces low-income families and businesses
People move to Richmond for its opportunities, convenient location and family oriented vibe.
The city is sandwiched by several areas that Forbes lists as “boom cities.” Many believe these
surrounding realities are responsible for Richmond’s transformation.
Where there was once blight now lies new businesses, and previously crime-filled areas now are
housing dorms for college students. These changes seem to have given Richmond a new identity;
hence the RVA bumper stickers that now flood the city.
Richmond has quite a few transforming historic neighborhoods. The 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census
found that Shockoe Bottom, one of the country’s historic slave trade docks, is experiencing over
a 200 percent population growth due to housing renovations. According to City-Data, the rental
rates in Carver, a historically working class Black neighborhood, have skyrocketed to $1,000 a
month, among the highest in the city.
Though many Richmonders support redevelopment, many others believe that the sense of
community and history should not be demolished for capital gain.
Sylvio and Matilda Lynch are a couple whose lived in the city for over 40 years and have
witnessed Richmond’s significant and progressive changes. Sylvio Lynch is also conscious of a
systematic trend at work.
“People are being pushed out of Southside simply by buying up property and increasing the rent
and taxes of those properties. People who stay in those communities can no longer afford to live
there, and as a result, they have to leave.”
He also added that gentrification is always done for two reasons. To progress an area and make a
profit, which impacts our taxes, our daily commute.
Despite these implications of re-gentrification or urban renewal, Sylvio Lynch recognizes the
positive aspects of the phenomenon in the greater Richmond area.
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“On the progressive side, the opportunities for young people are expanding because of the large
university area and new corporate offices relocating here,” Sylvio Lynch said.
Sylvio Lynch and Regan both acknowledge how gentrification adversely impacts educational
equity and how it prevents Richmond from fully turning over a new leaf.
“[Bellevue] is full of young families, I noticed that once the kids reach middle school, the
families move out to Midlothian, where their child can get a quality education,” Regan said.
The Virginia Department of Education documented the gap that Regan mentions. In 2014, the
Chesterfield Public Schools graduated over 90 percent of their high school graduates, in
comparison to 70 percent in Richmond Public Schools.
Richmond has made valiant attempts to renovate many of its current structures and institutions
except the public school system.
Nana Esparza moved to Richmond in 1973 as a teenager and graduated from Armstrong High
School. She says she has not seen much change to the school system or its demographics.
“In terms of the demographics there hasn’t been a change. They’ve switched buildings several
times, and teachers have floated around. But no, no real change,” Esparza said.
A trend that has caught Esparza’s attention is the new citywide developments that often exclude
natives, but are defended by the promise of creating more jobs.
“Typically when gentrification occurs it's because people move in who have a particular income.
Typically, jobs are the driving force,” Esparza said.
Fayeruz Regan, a Richmonder and VCU alumni, welcomes the city’s new changes and attributes
them to a much-needed urban renewal.
Regan says that she approves of the city’s revamping because VCU and the city were not as safe
20 years ago.
“When I went to VCU there was a lot of crime. I mean it was the ‘90s. Shots would sound off on
campus and students would go running into the Fan. You couldn’t take night classes and walk
home by yourself because there were a few rapes near campus,” Regan said.
Like other urban cities, Richmond has seen a higher number its suburban residents flock to the
inner city. This migration back to the city has increased income to Richmond, largely attributed
to recent economic development and re-investment in housing infrastructure.
Matilda Lynch realizes that the new changes in Richmond are needed, but heritage should not be
sacrificed. Jackson Ward, one of Richmond’s more historic neighborhoods, has suffered as a
result.
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“We used to shop there, eat lunch there… The marketplace that we use to frequent was pub for
dialogue exchange. There was this restaurant on 2nd
Street, Anderson’s Grill. Everybody who
was anybody came in there. From Doug Wilder, to Henry Marsh to Oliver Hill,” Matilda Lynch
said. “It galvanized the community and you would hear everything from politics to crime. It was
an integral spot as far as community communication goes.”
***