Testing in American Schools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Testing in American Schools - Essay Example Yet, America's education system is in the luxurious position of being able to have it both ways. While we are in the process of overhauling our system, we should institute a set of well-rounded requirements that take their rightful place next to testing. Supporters of testing as the primary measurement of a student's progress state that testing is the most efficient way to measure the student's strengths and weaknesses. Rod Paige, former Secretary of Education, reported that mandatory testing under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act has resulted in improved student performance and a narrowing of the gap between minorities and whites (2). Mandated testing has held schools responsible for their performance and has resulted in greater accountability within the system (Paige, 1). By pointing out the weaknesses through testing, America can improve, "...accountability and teacher quality, thereby improving the quality, inclusivity, fairness and justice of American education" (Paige 2). Opponents of the NCLB act state that testing is an unreliable and one-dimensional picture of a student's total educational accomplishments.

MGT499 - Strategic Management Mod 1 Case Assignment Essay

MGT499 - Strategic Management Mod 1 Case Assignment - Essay Example 82% of American households have made at least one purchase at Wal-Mart during an annum. Company’s expansions are very aggressive where there is a new store opening every day. However analyzing the growth and profitability trends over the years, there is a declining trend in terms of same store performance which is currently covered up by the aggressive new outlet openings. This paper aims to assess whether the company’s mission and objectives are well aligned with its stake holder needs that will allow the long term sustaining of the company’s success. Wal-Mart’s mission is â€Å"Saving People Money so They Can Live Better† This is the philosophy of the Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton who stated that â€Å"If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone†¦we’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.† This is the driving principle of the company’s low cost-low price business model. The company claims that their core principles of 1) respect for the individuals, 2) Service to the customers and 3) Striving for excellence has been the cornerstones of their success as they move forward (Wal-Mart Stores Website 2008). While Wal-Mart has benefited from this business mission of offering every day low prices over the past decade, the trends indicate that the competition has intensified in the market and the competitors have streamlines their own operations, benchmarking against Wal-Mart. They have managed to increase their internal efficiencies and cut back on cost structures, allowing them to bring their prices closer to Wal-Mart but offer more value additions such as greater customer service, better product quality and greater stores ambiance that has increased their appeal to the middle and upper income group strata. While the appeal of the low price offer has kept legions of low income customers loyal to the