Over the last 30 years multiple accounts have illustrated the increasing decline of civics educat... more Over the last 30 years multiple accounts have illustrated the increasing decline of civics education in the United States. In 2012, a report by the National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement reported only 24 percent of graduating high school seniors as proficient levels in civics with less than one-third of fourth-, eighth-, and twelfth-graders showing adequate results in the same field. Frequently attributed to misappropriated federal policies, the education degradation became so dire that former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner referred to it as a “crisis,” and implored the government to take action. As policies continue to emphasize topics such as Science and Math, a de-emphasis has occurred in Social Sciences, such as Civics. By many accounts, this created not only a tragedy in education, but also a threat to the American identity.
Scottsdale based Joe Foss Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting the appreciation of liberty and freedom, believes they have a remedy the education downturn in the United States. To address what they refer to as the “quiet crisis” of civic education, they have created the Civic Education Initiative with the mission of influencing states to mandate a civics tests as a graduation requirement. It is their belief that this sort of requirement would not only entice students to learn civics, but via exposure to the subject matter, create lasting interest that would result in engagement. This measure has sparked much debate and, although already passed in five states, it is till unclear if the test is both warranted and could make a difference.
In order to answer these two questions, this report will first examine the history of education policy in the United States. Current policies and theories pertaining to education will then be examined in addition to research regarding testing implications for civic engagement after graduation. Finally, survey and interview research will be conducted in order to identify missing information and test the conclusions found in the empirical research. Utilization of these three types of research should allow a conclusion as to the need for this test and also if it would have any impact on both civic knowledge and/or engagement.
As many cities around the country adopt smart growth strategies for urban renewal, a new promise ... more As many cities around the country adopt smart growth strategies for urban renewal, a new promise of efficient connectivity to many neighborhoods finally has the prospect of becoming reality. Although many of these improvements aim to connect lower income communities, many of the residents have yet to see the benefits of the development. Social equity planning is becoming increasingly important to ensure that those in low-income communities, who usually benefit from public transit the most, are adequately addressed in the transit planning process. This study will look at the importance of transportation planning on low-income residents and how improper planning can lead to increased poverty and increased inequality in many urban areas. This study will focus on the efforts underway in the San Diego region by examining specific examples of improper planning such as excessive trip duration times and inadequate access between low income communities and high employment zones. The hypothesis is that even though a city may incorporate social equity planning into its transportation strategy, implementation does not always follow in the final draft. A combination of empirical and ethnographic research will illustrate the specific issues facing many low-income residents throughout the San Diego region. This study seeks an understanding of the current hurdles involved in social equity planning and attempts to find recommendations to better overcome barriers to connectivity.
In November of 2010, the New York Times published an article by journalist Mark Grief in which he... more In November of 2010, the New York Times published an article by journalist Mark Grief in which he analyzed the contemporary hipster. His work titled The Hipster in the Mirror reveals the difficulty he faced when trying to answer the question of what a hipster is. On the surface, this may seem to be an easy question to answer. Generally the term is used to reference someone following / setting the trends, or styles, of the time; however, the word hipster has a deeper connotation which is more difficult to define. Saying someone is “in style” is one thing; however, saying that same person has “earned” that style is something else. As discussed by Greif, most people either deny the existence of the contemporary hipster, or take offence stemming from the implication that they may be one. It is so difficult to define what a hipster is because what makes someone a hipster in the eyes of another is mainly a matter of taste of the popular majority. Taste, known as the ability to judge what is beautiful, just, proper, and good, is not only unique to the individual, but subject to the perception of the social group the individual belongs (lecture). Therefore, the definition of “hipster” can actually change depending on who is making the interpretation. This means that the interpretation of the modern hipster is simply a matter of perception, which leads one to ask if there really is such a thing as a hipster at all.
In 2006, a headline from USA Today read: “Study: 25% of Americans Have No One to Confide In.” Th... more In 2006, a headline from USA Today read: “Study: 25% of Americans Have No One to Confide In.” The related story described that between 1985 and 2004, the number of people the average American felt they could discuss important matters with (known as a “close-tie”) had shrunk from three to two people. The study referenced in the article had been published by the American Sociological Review, and was based on information generated through the General Social Survey (GSS) - a sociological survey used to collect data on demographic characteristics and attitudes of residents of the United States. It was further outlined that one in four Americans had no close confidants at all, thus inferring that social isolation was on the rise. The study has been retested several times, by scholars such as Mathew Brashears, to find out if the initial findings on the dwindling number of close ties were simply an anomaly, however each retest resulted in the same “shrinking network” conclusion. It was not until a study was conducted that focused on the users of online Social Networking Sites (SNS) was conducted by the PEW Research Center, that an increase in close relationships of a new breed was observed. Consequently, one must wonder if and how there may exist a connection between use of online SNS and offline relationships. Specifically, does the use of online SNS act as a substitute or as a companion to offline social networks? Furthermore, does the use of online SNS demonstrate a move against this finding and toward a growing core network?
Over the last 30 years multiple accounts have illustrated the increasing decline of civics educat... more Over the last 30 years multiple accounts have illustrated the increasing decline of civics education in the United States. In 2012, a report by the National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement reported only 24 percent of graduating high school seniors as proficient levels in civics with less than one-third of fourth-, eighth-, and twelfth-graders showing adequate results in the same field. Frequently attributed to misappropriated federal policies, the education degradation became so dire that former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner referred to it as a “crisis,” and implored the government to take action. As policies continue to emphasize topics such as Science and Math, a de-emphasis has occurred in Social Sciences, such as Civics. By many accounts, this created not only a tragedy in education, but also a threat to the American identity.
Scottsdale based Joe Foss Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting the appreciation of liberty and freedom, believes they have a remedy the education downturn in the United States. To address what they refer to as the “quiet crisis” of civic education, they have created the Civic Education Initiative with the mission of influencing states to mandate a civics tests as a graduation requirement. It is their belief that this sort of requirement would not only entice students to learn civics, but via exposure to the subject matter, create lasting interest that would result in engagement. This measure has sparked much debate and, although already passed in five states, it is till unclear if the test is both warranted and could make a difference.
In order to answer these two questions, this report will first examine the history of education policy in the United States. Current policies and theories pertaining to education will then be examined in addition to research regarding testing implications for civic engagement after graduation. Finally, survey and interview research will be conducted in order to identify missing information and test the conclusions found in the empirical research. Utilization of these three types of research should allow a conclusion as to the need for this test and also if it would have any impact on both civic knowledge and/or engagement.
As many cities around the country adopt smart growth strategies for urban renewal, a new promise ... more As many cities around the country adopt smart growth strategies for urban renewal, a new promise of efficient connectivity to many neighborhoods finally has the prospect of becoming reality. Although many of these improvements aim to connect lower income communities, many of the residents have yet to see the benefits of the development. Social equity planning is becoming increasingly important to ensure that those in low-income communities, who usually benefit from public transit the most, are adequately addressed in the transit planning process. This study will look at the importance of transportation planning on low-income residents and how improper planning can lead to increased poverty and increased inequality in many urban areas. This study will focus on the efforts underway in the San Diego region by examining specific examples of improper planning such as excessive trip duration times and inadequate access between low income communities and high employment zones. The hypothesis is that even though a city may incorporate social equity planning into its transportation strategy, implementation does not always follow in the final draft. A combination of empirical and ethnographic research will illustrate the specific issues facing many low-income residents throughout the San Diego region. This study seeks an understanding of the current hurdles involved in social equity planning and attempts to find recommendations to better overcome barriers to connectivity.
In November of 2010, the New York Times published an article by journalist Mark Grief in which he... more In November of 2010, the New York Times published an article by journalist Mark Grief in which he analyzed the contemporary hipster. His work titled The Hipster in the Mirror reveals the difficulty he faced when trying to answer the question of what a hipster is. On the surface, this may seem to be an easy question to answer. Generally the term is used to reference someone following / setting the trends, or styles, of the time; however, the word hipster has a deeper connotation which is more difficult to define. Saying someone is “in style” is one thing; however, saying that same person has “earned” that style is something else. As discussed by Greif, most people either deny the existence of the contemporary hipster, or take offence stemming from the implication that they may be one. It is so difficult to define what a hipster is because what makes someone a hipster in the eyes of another is mainly a matter of taste of the popular majority. Taste, known as the ability to judge what is beautiful, just, proper, and good, is not only unique to the individual, but subject to the perception of the social group the individual belongs (lecture). Therefore, the definition of “hipster” can actually change depending on who is making the interpretation. This means that the interpretation of the modern hipster is simply a matter of perception, which leads one to ask if there really is such a thing as a hipster at all.
In 2006, a headline from USA Today read: “Study: 25% of Americans Have No One to Confide In.” Th... more In 2006, a headline from USA Today read: “Study: 25% of Americans Have No One to Confide In.” The related story described that between 1985 and 2004, the number of people the average American felt they could discuss important matters with (known as a “close-tie”) had shrunk from three to two people. The study referenced in the article had been published by the American Sociological Review, and was based on information generated through the General Social Survey (GSS) - a sociological survey used to collect data on demographic characteristics and attitudes of residents of the United States. It was further outlined that one in four Americans had no close confidants at all, thus inferring that social isolation was on the rise. The study has been retested several times, by scholars such as Mathew Brashears, to find out if the initial findings on the dwindling number of close ties were simply an anomaly, however each retest resulted in the same “shrinking network” conclusion. It was not until a study was conducted that focused on the users of online Social Networking Sites (SNS) was conducted by the PEW Research Center, that an increase in close relationships of a new breed was observed. Consequently, one must wonder if and how there may exist a connection between use of online SNS and offline relationships. Specifically, does the use of online SNS act as a substitute or as a companion to offline social networks? Furthermore, does the use of online SNS demonstrate a move against this finding and toward a growing core network?
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Papers by Mike Shenkman
Scottsdale based Joe Foss Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting the appreciation of liberty and freedom, believes they have a remedy the education downturn in the United States. To address what they refer to as the “quiet crisis” of civic education, they have created the Civic Education Initiative with the mission of influencing states to mandate a civics tests as a graduation requirement. It is their belief that this sort of requirement would not only entice students to learn civics, but via exposure to the subject matter, create lasting interest that would result in engagement. This measure has sparked much debate and, although already passed in five states, it is till unclear if the test is both warranted and could make a difference.
In order to answer these two questions, this report will first examine the history of education policy in the United States. Current policies and theories pertaining to education will then be examined in addition to research regarding testing implications for civic engagement after graduation. Finally, survey and interview research will be conducted in order to identify missing information and test the conclusions found in the empirical research. Utilization of these three types of research should allow a conclusion as to the need for this test and also if it would have any impact on both civic knowledge and/or engagement.
As discussed by Greif, most people either deny the existence of the contemporary hipster, or take offence stemming from the implication that they may be one. It is so difficult to define what a hipster is because what makes someone a hipster in the eyes of another is mainly a matter of taste of the popular majority. Taste, known as the ability to judge what is beautiful, just, proper, and good, is not only unique to the individual, but subject to the perception of the social group the individual belongs (lecture). Therefore, the definition of “hipster” can actually change depending on who is making the interpretation. This means that the interpretation of the modern hipster is simply a matter of perception, which leads one to ask if there really is such a thing as a hipster at all.
The study has been retested several times, by scholars such as Mathew Brashears, to find out if the initial findings on the dwindling number of close ties were simply an anomaly, however each retest resulted in the same “shrinking network” conclusion. It was not until a study was conducted that focused on the users of online Social Networking Sites (SNS) was conducted by the PEW Research Center, that an increase in close relationships of a new breed was observed. Consequently, one must wonder if and how there may exist a connection between use of online SNS and offline relationships. Specifically, does the use of online SNS act as a substitute or as a companion to offline social networks? Furthermore, does the use of online SNS demonstrate a move against this finding and toward a growing core network?
Scottsdale based Joe Foss Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting the appreciation of liberty and freedom, believes they have a remedy the education downturn in the United States. To address what they refer to as the “quiet crisis” of civic education, they have created the Civic Education Initiative with the mission of influencing states to mandate a civics tests as a graduation requirement. It is their belief that this sort of requirement would not only entice students to learn civics, but via exposure to the subject matter, create lasting interest that would result in engagement. This measure has sparked much debate and, although already passed in five states, it is till unclear if the test is both warranted and could make a difference.
In order to answer these two questions, this report will first examine the history of education policy in the United States. Current policies and theories pertaining to education will then be examined in addition to research regarding testing implications for civic engagement after graduation. Finally, survey and interview research will be conducted in order to identify missing information and test the conclusions found in the empirical research. Utilization of these three types of research should allow a conclusion as to the need for this test and also if it would have any impact on both civic knowledge and/or engagement.
As discussed by Greif, most people either deny the existence of the contemporary hipster, or take offence stemming from the implication that they may be one. It is so difficult to define what a hipster is because what makes someone a hipster in the eyes of another is mainly a matter of taste of the popular majority. Taste, known as the ability to judge what is beautiful, just, proper, and good, is not only unique to the individual, but subject to the perception of the social group the individual belongs (lecture). Therefore, the definition of “hipster” can actually change depending on who is making the interpretation. This means that the interpretation of the modern hipster is simply a matter of perception, which leads one to ask if there really is such a thing as a hipster at all.
The study has been retested several times, by scholars such as Mathew Brashears, to find out if the initial findings on the dwindling number of close ties were simply an anomaly, however each retest resulted in the same “shrinking network” conclusion. It was not until a study was conducted that focused on the users of online Social Networking Sites (SNS) was conducted by the PEW Research Center, that an increase in close relationships of a new breed was observed. Consequently, one must wonder if and how there may exist a connection between use of online SNS and offline relationships. Specifically, does the use of online SNS act as a substitute or as a companion to offline social networks? Furthermore, does the use of online SNS demonstrate a move against this finding and toward a growing core network?