Changes in Healthcare Industry

Introduction The healthcare industry has undergone changes in the last one decade. The changes in healthcare have been more than in any other sector in the country. The changes can be attributed to the change in the public’s perception of their health.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Changes in Healthcare Industry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The public has taken the issue regarding their health more seriously and thus, it is willing to pay whatever the price to receive good healthcare services. These changes are expected to continue in the next ten coming years with technological changes playing a key role. Therefore, all stakeholders have to keep adapting their skills so that remain relevant in the industry. Changes in the healthcare industry in the last ten years In the last one decade, the healthcare industry has undergone tremendous change as it has been pushed by demand to address the vi tal areas of the industry in the delivery of services. It has looked to address the quality of the healthcare and the cost of the services that are offered by the industry. The industry has seen the number of people who want better quality services from the health facilities in the country increase. Consequently, the cost of offering the services has escalated to march the change in the quality of the healthcare the country. The change has been witnessed from the administrative to the patient care. This change has been prompted by the changes in the healthcare regulations. One of the most notable changes in the healthcare industry has been that on the relationship between the physician and the patients. The country has witnessed the number of primary doctors dwindle and thus the time that the physician spends with the customer is less during a hospital visit. This has created the need of alternatives means of delivering the needed healthcare services. The alternative means of delive ring the services included the virtual health care services that are available in the internet (Ginter et al, 2002). Another change that has forced changes in the healthcare industry was the much criticism that the industry was facing from the public pertaining transparency regarding the administrative costs. The consumers were able to track the healthcare providers through the internet and they were able to compare hospitals, healthcare insurance companies and possible doctors and make their own conclusions. This increase in the public scrutiny through the internet forced the industry to change. The industry is still growing and evolving in order to meet the constantly changing needs of the public (Ginter et al, 2002).Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Possible changes in the next ten years The tremendous changes in the health care industry over the last one decade are expected to continue in the next ten years. The changes basically will include the continuous escalating trend in the cost of providing the healthcare services. This has been caused by the increased pressure on the pharmaceuticals to improve on the value of their products and consequently transferring the burden to the end consumers in the system. This will cause the federal government to come up with regulatory guidelines to regulate the operations of the key players in the industry (Amara Johnson, 2003). Other factors that are expected to cause changes in the healthcare industry include: First, is increased need in healthcare services. The increase in the aging generation in the country is on the rise. An increase in the number of old people in the country means that the probability of diseases like cancer, diabetes, obesity among other diseases will also be on the rise. This means that the need to have healthcare services will be on the rise. This will constrain the present heal thcare system to offer more quality services and as a result force it to change (Amara Johnson. 2003). Secondly, the healthcare industry in the next ten years it expects to have more technical developments which will be caused by the advances in the biochemistry industry. This will result in better packages that are tailored so suit the individuals. This will offer the healthcare industry the chance to rejuvenate and be more vibrant in the delivery of services through development of more and better services that will require more elaborate strategies to manage (Amara Johnson, 2003). Adaptation skills to evolve along the industry needs The challenges exhibited by the healthcare industry have forced the key players in the industry like us to adapt to the changes so as to be relevant and continue playing key roles as the industry has continued to evolve over the years. The adaptation will be through keeping up with the technological changes that are occurring in the industry. Another adaptation will be through creating marketing strategies that will ensure that we have the competitive advantage over our competitors. These marketing strategies must be customer oriented and they must create value to the customers in the most effective manner.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Changes in Healthcare Industry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More We will also have to realign our skills to conform to the changes in the industry by learning to operate in a more customer friendly way. This means that we will understand our customers more and as a result, offer these customers better services (Blancett and Flarey, 2001). Change in the healthcare industry in my perception The healthcare industry in my perception has changed immensely. The changes have occurred in the peoples’ perception of their individual health. People are now more concerned about their health and they are asking for the b est healthcare services available in the market for instance, they want the best physician to treat them. People are, therefore, taking more and more health insurance covers to ensure that their well-being is safeguarded in case they fall sick in the future. This desire by the public to have the best healthcare services has made the industry to be a major business hub that is very profitable. This has attracted a large number of investors rendering the service delivery very expensive. Role of technology in the healthcare industry The role of technology in the healthcare industry is crucial. Technology will lead to better clinical information management systems. This means that physicians will be in a position to keep the information of their patients in databases and be able to access it from anywhere. Technology will lead to the development of better software and hardware. This advancement will reciprocate into delivery of better healthcare services (Blancett and Flarey, 2001). The financial and economic issues that will affect the health care industry in the next 10 years. The financial status in the country has continue to served and transform the industry in terms of cost and other areas that would make it easier for the Americans to access better healthcare. The healthcare costs that were registered during 2000 exceeded $2.3 trillion and this signified the escalating rise in the cost of healthcare services in the country is expected to continue in the next ten years (Ginter et al, 2002). This has put some economic constrain on the people as they are now required to use more money for the same healthcare services that they receiving ten years ago. Conclusion Therefore, it is evident to conclude that there have been changes in the healthcare industry for the last one decade and these changes are expected to continue taking place in the next ten years. These changes have led to the quality services being offered in the healthcare industry to improve and this has been greatly influenced by the technological advancement in this sector.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Amara, R. Johnson, R., (2003) Health and health care 2010: the forecast, the challenge. New York: Jossey-Bass Blancett , S., S. Flarey , D., L. (2001) Health care outcomes: collaborative, path- based approaches. New York: Jones Bartlett Learning Ginter, M., P., Swayne,. L., E Duncan., W., J (2002) Strategic management of health care organizations. New York: Wiley-Blackwell This research paper on Changes in Healthcare Industry was written and submitted by user Vihaan Wilkinson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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The Power of TRL essays

The Power of TRL essays Within our generation music has become an essential part of our daily lives. Established favorites ranging from 2PAC to Pearl Jam have touched the lives of many. But today we walk through the record stores seeing more and more new faces among the top ten artists. A wave of boy bands and blondes with beautiful faces are rising out of the woodwork and selling more albums than many established artists of the past. Their faces and voices flood our minds through the television and the radio as many become just as successful as the campaigns that promote then. Today advertising and MTV are working with the music industry to help launch new bands and artists to heights never imagined. MTVs Total Request Live and the proper public exposure are proving to be two of the key components in the success of selling a record. With the help of the internet, information from interviews with Carson Daly, and Rolling Stone magazine, I have gathered the information which seems to make todays pop st ars instant hits. Within the past two years Carson Daly and Total Request Live have rebuilt the pop charts. According to the TRL web site, Carson was once a college student pondering playing the amateur golf circuit and now finds himself the head man of the powerful TRL. TRL attracts fans from around the world and has become the undisputed center of the pop world. By simply playing its viewers requests, the show has become a hit for MTV. It has made unknowns from Brtiney Spears to Kid Rock into stars and is the engine that drives the pop charts. According to the February issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, TRL is now the highest-rated show in its time period among all cable programs, the highest rated MTV daily show, and essential viewing for many. Its impact on the youth has been immense. Everyday at 3:30 TRL reveals the results of its daily poll to thousands. It airs just as kids are returning from school and tar...

Management Information System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Management Information System - Essay Example The Watchiloo has been designed as an embedded player for social network sites to allow for users to access advanced features. The first part of the article shall analyze how these devices can be used to communicate with their advanced features. The article shall also cover different aspects that are involved with the use of these devices such as the number of users for each and their price range. The second part of the article shall cover strengths and weaknesses of this article. Finally, the article shall then cover writers' opinion on the articles and recommendation on what can be done to improve them. Introduction High definition television has brought about some change in the mode of social networking. Thus, with the invention of high definition television (HDTV), there has been remarkable change in video and audio conferencing. Several versions of high definition televisions currently exist in the market including internet enabled ones with built in wireless internet connectivi ty and others with port for wireless or wired connectivity. Since invention of live chat tools by Google and Microsoft, Google+ hangout on air and Skype respectively, there has been increased need to include more users in chat sessions than the logical one user when used in personal computers or smart phones2. Main Themes The main idea of these articles is to analyze and ascertain the extent in which integration between HDTV and chat- enabled devices that have been manufactured. In this article, I shall focus on two essential devices that have been manufactured for this purpose. It shall also cover some issues relating to these devices such as Working capability of these devices The number of users which they support Their price range and connectivity and Their multimedia capability features There has been the invention of Watchitoo device, which was launched for enterprise purposes, and the Tely HD designed for multiple users for home use. These devices according to review articles are ultimately designed to allow for live online streaming of calls, pictures and messages for multiple users using their HDTV sets at the comfort of their homes. The Watchitoo device can allow connection of up to 25 users to the device at the same time and enable them make audio or video calls simultaneously. The Tely HD has been designed to allow family members or small groups of friends to convert their HDTV sets into a live chat device. They are capable of making definition video calls through their HDTV at the comfort of their living room without crowding to a small screen3. In addition, an attractive feature with these devices is that apart from traditional feature whereby devices are independent in communication, these devices have been essentially designed to be fully integrated with already established social networking sites and tools. The Watchitoo has been embedded into users own networking site services like Facebook or Twitter. This allows the user to make video calls and invite friends to chat with them very easily through these sites. The Tely HD has been designed to communicate with all Skype enabled devices in the market. The user can make Skype calls to other Skype enabled devices including other Tely HD televisions, smart phone, personal computers and any other device with inbuilt Skype capability in these devices4.

The City of Corinth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The City of Corinth - Essay Example In the 1st century, the public marketplace of Corinth (agora, forum) was bigger than any that was in Rome. By 50 A.D. Corinth was visited by Paul. The city was the most modern, beautiful, and industrious city in Greece.According to Acts 18:4, the city was a Jewish synagogue. Crispus who was the ruler of the synagogue was baptized by Paul himself (1 Cor. 1:14). Apparently Timothy and Silas the remaining converts at Corinth. In the city of Corinth, one could find the cults of the gods of Rome, Egypt, and Rome (Bergant, et al 78). The Temple of Aphrodite, goddess of love, was standing at the top of Acrocorinth; by Paul’s time, it had fallen into ruins. This was a city that was catering for traveling salesmen and sailors who spent their money gladly there. â€Å"Corinth† became a phrase for immorality which was often mentioned by Paul. Corinth eventually became not just a synonym for luxury and wealth, debauchery and wealth, but even for faith. Also famous in Corinth was th e Posedon temple, ruler of the sea (the commercial life of Corinth depended on it) and the earthquakes maker (a common peril in the area).   In the city, as commonly found in different parts of ancient Greece, there existed a shrine devoted to Asklepios, the healing god, and Hygieia his daughter. On the hill that was overlooking the main forum of the Roman city, stood the Apollo’s temple, which was serving as a reminder of the ancient splendor of Corinth.  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Pride and Prejudice, Tea in the Wendy House, and He said Essay Example for Free

Pride and Prejudice, Tea in the Wendy House, and He said Essay Pride and Prejudice is a novel of love and marriage and how people have prejudices about love. Pride is involved as it blurs the seeing of true love. Jane Austen displays this as she was part of society and she had first-hand experience of this. In Tea in the Wendy House and He Said, there is an visible change in the role of society and attitudes to love and marriage. This is because of the different times each novel was written. Jane Austen does not make the subject of marriage favourable, as she never writes about a completely happy marriage. For example Mr and Mrs Bennets relationship, this is not an example of a good marriage as Mr Bennet is always taunting Mrs Bennet. Or you may send them by themselves, will be better, for you are as handsome of any of them. Here Mr Bennet is ridiculing Mrs Bennet by saying she should go and visit Mr Darcy as she may end up marrying him, as she is just as beautiful. This was one of Austens intentions to show that the society she lived in was superficial. Another example of a bad marriage is of Charlotte Lucas and Mr Collins. Charlotte is only marrying Mr Collins, as it is her last resort because she is seen as a spinster at the age of 27. Usually girls are married off at young ages, as it is their only ambition. This is shown in Pride and Prejudice, but in Tea in the Wendy House, even though Lyn has an opportunity of marriage she is not happy. She feels pressured into marrying Graham and doesnt have the chance to vent her true feelings properly. She feels she is also trapping Graham into marrying her and becoming a father. I didnt say anything, because Graham was so enthusiastic. She is worried about other peoples feelings and hers but does not get the chance to show them. Whereas in He Said there is no chance of Bev getting married to Errol, as he is too irresponsible. This is an example of the way society has changed drastically. In Pride and Prejudice it was expected for girls to get married straight away and the most important thing in their life. In Tea in the Wendy House there was some expectation but not as much. In He Said society has changed so much that Errol does not think he needs to propose to Bev, even though she is pregnant. This also shows the attitudes to sex before marriage. As Austen shows more bad marriages than good, there were a few happy marriages, as they contain an equality of character traits between the couple. Elizabeth was too prejudiced to realise her true feelings and Mr Darcy was too proud. Even though she does finally realise Darcys good qualities. She began to comprehend that he was exactly the man, in disposition and talents, would suit her. This is the opposite in He Said, as Bev finally realises that she is stronger than Errol, and how she can cope without him. I dont care if I never see him again. In Jane Austens novels the valuable marriage is usually because of chance. If Elizabeth did not read Darcys letter and witness the elopement of Lydia and Wickham, she would have realised how much she values him. This is the opposite in Tea and the Wendy House as Graham and Lyn had known each other since their teens and so had got to know each other better. I was fourteen and Graham was fifteen. As Errol and Bevs relationship in He Said is just based on sex and so there was no previous acknowledgement of character traits. Intervention played its part in the prevention of Darcy and Elizabeth getting married. Elizabeths prejudices intervene and prevent the marriage at first. This does not happen to the main character of Tea in the Wendy House but there is some intervention from Lyns parents. In Pride and Prejudice Elizabeths mum is always pushing her to get the best man she can. She is very bossy and likes to get what she wants. In Tea and the Wendy House it is also Lyns mother that has an intervening nature as she is making the wedding dress. She was busy, giving final touches to the dress. There is a difference in He Said, as her parents do not intervene. Although her father does not want to get involved with her situation, he feels no way in abandoning her when she needs them most. As her father is a minister of a church, he has strict religious beliefs but as he does not want to help he comes across as a bully. If that harlot crosses my doorstep, I will strike her down. Then he had gone to church. This contradicts his religious views. Status is another problem in the prevention of the marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth. Elizabeths astonishment was beyond expression. She stared coloured doubted and was silent. This he considered enough encouragement. Darcy thought that Elizabeth would have said yes when he first proposed, as she may never get a better offer as that one as he is much higher in status than she was. Darcy has a lot more money than the Bennets. In this time it was seen as better if you could marry a man with a large house and very good income. This was so he could provide for his wife when she had children but also to show-off to others. In He Said money is still important to Bev as she is by herself without a husband, so she has to fend for herself. She is struggling and in a poor job. She has not got the financial support from her parents like Lyn in Tea in the Wendy House. Bevs prospects are limited because of lack of money and there is a slight suggestion that this will not change much. There is a sim ilarity between pride and prejudice and Tea in the Wendy House. This is because Lyn and Elizabeth both have some financial support from their parents, although it was not the most important thing in Tea in the Wendy House. Lyns mother puts it across as a bonus to the marriage, but having a good job is quite important. And hes got a job, and course theres the house. You really struck gold there. Mr Collins also demonstrates the status prevention, as he expects her to say yes but it comes across as quite pompous. I am to inherit this estate after the death of your father. He is openly stating that he will own Elizabeths house, as if it was nothing. In the actual proposal of Mr Collins to Elizabeth it was quite formal as he asked permission, which was expected in those times. This differs in the proposal of Graham to Lyn. He seemed embarrassed, it was not very formal but still had the decency to propose. I told you it was corny, but will you, will you marry me? There is no proposal in He Said. Errol obviously does not believe he needs to propose; not formal or gentleman-like. Judgement plays quite a big part of pride and prejudice, as it was a very judgmental society. People are always being judged. Elizabeth prides herself on good understanding of what people are like generally. The extravagance and general profligacy which he scripted exceedingly shocked her. This shows how she was wrong about Mr Wickham and Darcy made her realise this in the letter he wrote to her after he proposed. Good judgement is being to see past deception, pride arrogance and hypocrisy. She tried to recollect some instance of goodness, some distinguished trait of integrity. This shows Elizabeth frantically trying to have some recollection that Mr Wickham was not deceptive and devious. Like Mr Darcy explained in the letter. This is a bad judgement that Elizabeth has made, just like the bad judgement of Errol by Bev. She thought he was going to stand by her throughout the pregnancy, but he does not. I dont want anything to come between usnow he would not speak to her. This shows how shallow and unreliable Errol is. Although she knows Errol is not going to face up to his consequences, it does not stop her from fantasizing about the way she would like things to be between her and Errol. Imagining Errol holding her tightly, perhaps his voice breaking with emotion. Elizabeths first meeting with Mr Wickham compared to her first meeting with Mr Darcy it was not surprised she preferred Mr Wickham. This made her very shocked at the proposal from Mr Darcy. This pitfall almost brings Elizabeth to lose her future husband, although she does come to terms with her mistakes and corrects them. How despicably I have acted, I who have prided myself on my discernment and gratified my vanity, pleased with the preference of one and offended by the neglect of another. This reveals that Elizabeth has recognised her mistakes and how she has treated both men. Darcy has also overcome his arrogance and pride. Austen believes that a happy marriage is built on good judgement and so introduces a genuine perception. So they see each other for who they really are. Tea in the Wendy House, Lyns perception of Graham was not clear, she was not being clear about her feelings. The writer used the Wendy House as symbolism to show that however perfect something seems, it may not make you happy. Although at the end with the last Wendy House reference, you are left wondering if Lyn will ever be happy, but also there is no mention of Graham being with her, in this ideal world. The bright blue walls seem to be closing in around her, the ceiling is coming nearer and nearer. She is a mummy. It doesnt matter that she cant get out. It is making her conform to the stereotypes of typical women. Bev in He Said has made a journey of self-knowledge, from hating Errol for not standing by her to realising she can cope without him, and go along with the pregnancy by herself. From the pressures of society, the doctor telling her it would be best to get an abortion, her father throwing her out, living in a gritty flat and working in a dead end job. Bev has made a miraculous journey from where she was, to feeling confident of having the baby by herself. Elizabeth goes against her time by refusing two marriage proposals, and marrying for true love. In her society a sexual relationship before marriage was seen as unacceptable and shame would be brought onto the family. This is a contrast between our time and Jane Austens time. Lyn is pregnant before she is getting married, this is also the case in He Said apart from Bev is not getting married, and so has to cope on her own. This indicates the age and time Elizabeth lived in. Wickham was this type of person who would deceive women into thinking he loves them but then leaves them. This is what he did with Lydia Bennet. This was not the first he tried; he also tried with Darcys younger sister. He gambles and lives loosely and does not give a second thought to his sexual immoralities. Sex before marriage is seen as the main corrupt. Wickhams character is similar to that of Errol. He does not give a second thought to the consequences of his action. With the faint smell of urine around her realising that probably some man had walked away from relieving himself without a backward thought about the results. Just like Errol. Lydias relationship with Wickham has effected her reputation because of the elopement. Wickhams love for Lydia is not true. This is the opposite with Lyn and Grahams relationship. Graham is truly in love with Lyn, but it is Lyn that has the insecurities and does not feel true love. There is no one in the Wendy house except Lyn. Mandy isnt there. Graham isnt there. This shows how maybe in the end she will be by herself without no one. In Elizabeths time courtship between two people would not have lasted quite long, so Wickham and Lydia were not truly in love, it was most probably infatuation. His belief that Wickham never intended to go there or to marry Lydia at all. Jane Austen was a person in this society and time, which believed marriage, was the most important thing for a young girl. This would lead to prejudices about how much money did the husband have and of what status was he. Jane Austen shows through pride and prejudice that she would not have married because it was convenient but because of love much like Elizabeth. Society has changed, as evident in He said. From wanting marriage as an ambition, to Errol not needing to propose, it does not mean the society has got any better. Society and other peoples thoughts all contribute to prevention of some marriages, even nowadays.

The Power of Music in James Baldwins Sonnys Blues Essay -- Sonnys B

The Power of Music in James Baldwin's Sonny's Blues At first glance, "Sonny's Blues" seems ambiguous about the relationship between music and drugs. After all, the worlds of jazz and drug addiction are historically intertwined; it could be possible that Sonny's passion for jazz is merely an excuse for his lifestyle and addiction, as the narrator believes for a time. Or perhaps the world that Sonny has entered by becoming involved in jazz is the danger- if he had not encountered jazz he wouldn't have encountered drugs either. But the clues given by the portrayals of music and what it does for other figures in the story demonstrate music's beneficial nature; music and drugs are not interdependent for Sonny. By studying the moments of music interwoven throughout the story, it can be determined that the author portrays music as a good thing, the preserver and sustainer of hope and life, and Sonny's only way out of the "deep and funky hole" of his life in Harlem, with its attendant peril of drugs (414). The story's first encounter with music is after the narrator has learned of Sonny's arrest. He is thinking about the boys he teaches, and how they could all be "sucked under" (419) just as Sonny has been. He hears their laughter in the schoolyard and notes its "mocking and insular" quality, a noise made by disillusioned youth rather than the untainted, joyous sound one expects of children (410). One boy whistles a tune, a cool and moving, complicated and simple melody, "pouring out of him as though he were a bird," and the music manages to soar above the harsh sounds of disenchantment (410). Clearly this music is joy and salvation. Because he concentrates on this simple music, one boy does not curse and den... ..., because this tale is "the only light we've got in all this darkness" (438). "Sonny's Blues" is filled with examples of music and how it makes things better. The schoolboy, the barmaid, the mother, the brother, the uncle, the street revivalists, all use music to create a moment when life isn't so ugly, even though the world still waits outside and trouble stretches above. Music and the tale it tells provide hope and joy; instead of being the instrument of Sonny's destruction, introducing him to the world of drugs, music is his way out of some of the ugliness. For Sonny and the other characters in this story, music is a bastion against the despair that pervades stunted lives; it is the light that guides them from the darkness without hope. Works Cited Baldwin, James. "Sonny's Blues." The Oxford Book of American Short Stories 1992: 409 - 439.

Assertive Discipline

â€Å"Miss Collin was a nasty teacher that I had when I was 6 or 7 years old and, as a result of the psychotherapy I underwent in later years, I am now able to say that this teacher is responsible for most of the psychological damage I suffered with resulting suicidal tendencies. She used terror and humiliation to keep order in the classroom and did not hesitate to use the strap as her method of control† (Warnes 1). School children shouldn†t be afraid to attend their school because the teachers humiliate students, are mean and have strict rules. The overall purpose of public schools is to provide a simple learning environment so a student can obtain a good education. All students should be treated equally no matter where they are and should have the same rights as adults so they can reach their goal of graduating. Discipline is more than keeping a group of children or young people quiet while being talked to. Preserving good behavior is certainly one aspect to discipline, for learning it in an atmosphere of confusion is difficult. Children have to learn to conform to the rules of behavior needed in a classroom. Teachers have the right to ask for a quiet class, keep the students in their seats, and have the right to discipline them if they do not cooperate. When a teacher expresses his or her thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in direct, honest, and appropriate ways that do not violate the right of others, and when the message does not humiliate, degrade, or dominate the one being talked to, he or she is using Assertive Discipline. In order for a teacher to maintain control of his or her class they must use Assertive Discipline. In order for a teacher to have his or her needs met, they can influence the behavior of the children. Without influence a teacher is â€Å"powerless† and will become â€Å"burned out. † (Canter, 2) There is no simple answer to why this happens. A number of complex factors have combined to create an environment in which teachers are having trouble in getting personal and professional needs met. Until the past decade, the teacher was looked at as the main person in the classroom by students and parents. The teacher, simply because of their role status, had respect and authority. Thus, the teacher was a â€Å"powerful† figure in the eyes of the students and could easily influence the student's behavior, often with just a look, smile, or a threat. All of that is now changed. Today, a teacher has to earn the respect of both the students and their parents. A teacher's basic techniques of influence, or discipline, is no longer as effective as getting the desired results. The discipline approaches of the 1950's and 1960's do not work with the students of the 1990's. In addition, the teacher cannot rely on the strong support of the parents anymore. Many parents are openly questioning, the education that their children are receiving, and do not feel they want to support the needs of their child's teachers. Teachers cannot get their needs met in a classroom unless they have an effective method of discipline in which they thoroughly understand and comfortable utilize. An assertive teacher is: â€Å"One who clearly and firmly communicates his or her wants and needs to his or her students, and is prepared to reinforce their words with appropriate actions. † (Canter,9) When a teacher is assertive, and clearly and firmly communicates their wants and feelings to a child, they send a clear message. This message simply states: â€Å"I mean what I say and say what I mean. (Collins, 155) Lee Canter, a child guidance specialist, has found that while most teachers make lesson plans as a routine matter, very few make discipline plans. Planning is essential to teaching well. Lesson planning is second nature to teachers. Lesson plans are part of a professional routine, and are done almost automatically when the need arises. However, planning for discipline is an entirely different story. The vast majority of teachers have learned or have been exposed to the steps involved in planning discipline programs, especially those to be used specifically with disruptive students. Because of teachers' frustrations, all we often hear is their complaining about how difficult the students really are. Such complaining may help to relieve the strain of dealing with difficult students, but it in no way helps to solve the problem. Planning your discipline efforts, and utilizing assertive principles, are as essential to teaching as a lesson plan. (Charles,128) Discipline planning will structure and guide classroom management efforts the same as lesson planning for academic efforts. Discipline plans are important and helpful to all teachers. Charles, urges to make discipline plans according to the following steps: Identify any existing or potential discipline problems, specify the behaviors you want the students to eliminate or engage in, decide on negative and positive consequences appropriate to the student and situation, and decide how to execute the negative and positive consequences. (Charles, 129) Discipline planning is the systematic applications of the assertive principles the teacher exhibits. It involves focusing your attention on any existing or potential discipline problems you may have. These discipline problems may involve an individual student, or a group of students, or an entire class. Having good discipline enables the teacher to deal assertively with their students. He or she will know how to maximize their potential influence to get their needs met, with more difficult situations it may be useful for the teacher to engage in problem-solving and discipline planning with peers, school psychologist, principle or anyone who may be familiar with the students or have successfully managed similar problems. One final area needed for discipline planning are special activities. Special activities are those activities the students do not consistently engage in, for example, field trips or assemblies. A day or so before such an activity, the teacher must have some basic discipline planning. Once again, the teacher must determine the behavior wanted and not wanted, the limit – setting and positive consequences, and how the program will be started. The assertive teacher recognizes the fact that he or she has wants and needs and has the right to get them met in the classroom. The teacher is also aware of the limitations and realizes that they have the right to ask for assistance, whether it is from the principle, parents, or peers. (Charles,37) The assertive teacher should be aware of the child's need for warmth and support. An assertive teacher is aware that a limit setting response must be delivered in as effective a manner as possible. Eye contact is very important when trying to get a point made. Whenever necessary, the teacher plans how to back up their limit setting statement with appropriate consequences. This is done in order to maximize the influence that his or her response can have on the behavior of the child. (Canter, 28) Whenever required, teachers should be prepared to back up their words with consequences in order to motivate the behavior of more difficult children. He or she is aware some children need more support than others and is prepared to give that child as much as they can. (Canter, 32). The children learn to trust and respect an assertive teacher. The children clearly know the parameters of acceptable and unacceptable behavior. This gives them an opportunity to choose how they want to behave while knowing fully what the consequences will be for their behaviors. This does not mean that every child will like an assertive teacher, and does not mean that every child will behave. Some children may still decide not behave for any reason. All that an assertive teacher can do by his or her behavior is try to establish an atmosphere where he or she maximizes the potential for a positive teacher – child relationship. The major area where being an assertive teacher helps a child is when the student has special needs or problems. This when a teacher needs to step things up a notch and become more assertive. Some teachers may lose track of their assertive potential, but they have to teach the child how to behave in the appropriate manner. (Canter, 46) One problem area where a child needs assertive discipline is when he or she is confronted with peer pressure. This is when the student's fellow peers force him or her to do something, like throw spit balls or make funny noises to win the approval of others. This problem can be solved by confronting the child and telling him what he or she is doing wrong. This problem can also be solved by giving out a punishment like, writing on the chalkboard or may be standing in the corner with his or her back turned to the rest of the class. If all else fails, the teacher may want to call the child's home and plan a conference with the student's parents. Though most teachers feel threatened and overwhelmed by parents, especially if they are pushy or manipulative, they need to take a stand and thoroughly explain the situation going on with their child. (Rich, 145) The teacher has to be assertive with the parents and the child. The teacher should not down grade the problems they are having with their child. Instead they should tell the parents the way things are. For instance a teacher should not call the child's parents and say, â€Å"we have a little problem with your son,† when in actuality, the child had a violent tantrum. The teacher should let the parents know that they need their cooperation to discipline the child at home for his tantrum. If the teacher does not tell the parents what they truly feel then the child's tantrum will be even worse the next time. The corner stone of assertive discipline is the potential positive influence teachers can have on the behavior of their students. † Hand in hand with influence goes responsibility. † (Canter, 57) When teachers accept the consequences of their potential influence they accept the consequences of their potential influence they accept the responsibility to choose, or not to choose, to utilize this potential for the best interest of both themselves and the students. Assertive teachers recognize the responsibilities they have for the children. They know they cannot assert themselves and get their needs and the children needs met. They know they can have the impact on their classrooms if they choose to do so. Other teachers choose not to accept the reality of their potential influence. Thus, they are confronted with the following situations: they place themselves in a powerless position. They view themselves as a helpless victim at the mercy of the students, their parents, the principle, and the school system. Such teachers become the complainers. They complain about everyone and everything that â€Å"victimize† them. Charles, 120) They end up blaming all of their problems on others, and never on themselves. Mandatory uniforms is an answer that some give to stop the recent and alarming rise in violence and drop out rates in our public schools. Those that support uniforms argue that uniforms disguise economic and ethnic backgrounds, so students are no longer jealous of others. The financial burden on parents is lifted. But do uniforms really give all of these benefits? Can just one change in public schools make them so much better? The wearing of uniforms in more of the nation's public schools has been a much-talked about issue recently, with President Clinton and several members of Congress voicing their support. Supporters of school uniforms say social and economic classes would no longer be revealed by students' clothing, schools will have more of a sense of community, and students' self-esteem will improve. Some gang members have hurt or murdered innocent people because of a colored item of clothing they chose to wear. Proponents assert that uniforms will reduce this type of violence in schools and, therefore, make classes safe and orderly. Uniforms have been shown to reduce absentee rates as well. In situations where there are several different financial backgrounds attending the same school students may be under pressure, and possibly ridiculed because of failure to conform to the latest fashion trends. Everybody wearing the same styles of clothes might eliminate that. In response to growing levels of violence in our schools, many parents, teachers, and school officials have come to see school uniforms as one positive and creative way to reduce discipline problems and increase school safety. They observed that the adoption of school uniform policies can promote school safety, improve discipline, and enhance the learning environment. As a result, many local communities are deciding to adopt school uniform policies as part of an overall program to improve school safety and discipline. California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia have enacted school uniform regulations. Even though social and economic barriers can be torn down, some schools have not had as much success. In fact, implementing mandatory school uniforms can be dangerous because it provides the community with a false sense of security. It is like putting a small bandage on an enormous wound, instead of attempting to find ways to truly deal with the bleeding. Although this can happen, uniforms prove to continue to be a success. In a recent study of uniforms in Georgia Schools, eighty percent of students stated that they did not feel that the uniforms reduced fights and 68. % felt that uniforms did not help to make them feel a part of school. I myself would not feel at any way individually squashed if I were made to wear a uniform. Everyone must look at the main issue pertaining to this topic. Our lives, without our individuality is meaningless. I would be more than willing to wear a uniform to school and be safe and let my personality express my individualism, and be judged for what I am than to be judged and be put into a life threatening situation for what color I was wearing.