Technical Analysis Question Bank

Most important of cycles in the studying the relationship between cycles of different lengths? Phase 3. Translation Is best described as useful in checking where the trend direction Is headed or If It Is changing. 4. Elliot Wave cycle Is composed of 8 sub waves. 5. 5-wave Elliot upward motive Impulse wave, the longest and most dynamic Is the third wave. 6. Long-term price movements with volatility – logarithmic 7. Not a continuation pattern – broadening formation 8. According to DOD theory, secondary corrections can most likely be replaced by a line 9.Least important when analyzing a trend – distance from current price 10. What is most likely indicated when Bollixing Bands narrow? A stocks volatility has decreased 1 1 . Which of the following is NOT true about gaps? Gaps are always filled 12. Which of the following does NOT represent a sell signal confirmation for DOD theory? The DOD Jones Industrials and the DOD Jones Transportation indexes peak simultaneously. 13. DOD Theory uses closing prices 14. Point and figure charts are LEAST likely suited for Identifying areas of accumulation or dilutions. 5. Which of the following Is a Fibonacci ratio use In treatment? 50% 16. Using MA to signal buy/sell decisions can result In a number of whipsaws in sideways trending markets 17. Point-and-figure 18. Which of the following is usually associated with major market tops? Ascending triangles Broadening formation 19. In DOD Theory, the length of secondary trend is most likely three weeks to three months 20. As a general rule, in rectangle, triangle, flag and pennant patterns, volume most likely decreases as the pattern nears completion. 21 .Which of the following types of gaps is LEAST likely to be filled when it occurs with high volume? Breakaway 22. Trends are more likely to persist than reverse in all markets 23. Which of the following is NOT an Important use for an oscillator? Providing a method for evaluating the performance of a security relativ e to another security or Index. 24. Which of the following Is characteristic of trends? Any trend Is Influenced by Its next longer and next shorter trend 25. Directional Movement Indicator 26. Regarding trend, which one is NOT correct? Breakouts from support/resistance are usually a change in trend.The longer the trend, the more difficult it is to identify its reversal. 27. To increase the sensitivity of a ex. point and figure chart, one would decrease the box size. 28. Point and figure 29. Which of the following patterns are found on point and figure charts? Doll Head and shoulders 30. Point and figure 31 . Point and figure 32. Which of the following Is characteristic of a log scale for a chart? They are typically used In Antiradar charts. They are preferred over arithmetic scaling for long-term trend analysis 33. Point and figure 34. An Inverse head and shoulders pattern Is a reversal pattern 35.Which of the following is NOT an advantage of trading futures contracts relative to tr ading stocks? Theology used to construct the S&P 500 Index 37. Symmetrical triangles are also called coils 38. The simple moving average gives equal weight to each period's price 39. Not true? Moving averages lead market action 40. The most commonly used price to calculate a MA is the close 41 . Not correct? Long-term MA give fewer buy and sell signals than shorter SAM. Are better at giving signals at major tops than Smash. 42. ***A moving average is a smoothing device 43. When compared to long term Mass, SMASH produce more trades 44.Volume in a head and shoulders pattern is usually highest during the formation of the left holder 45. Symmetrical triangle price patterns should generally be accompanied by a gradual decline in volume until the breakout 46. Open interest is the number of future contracts outstanding at any one time in each delivery month 47. A candlestick with identical, or nearly identical, opening and closing prices is a doll 48. The primary use of a candlestick patte rn is to identify indications of both reversal and continuation patterns 49. Not a momentum oscillator – advance/decline line 50.Which of the following can be used in conjunction with candlestick analysis to improve results? Using western techniques to confirm a candle pattern. 51 . Which is correct? Triangles do not appear in long-term charts because of their very short nature The proper order to follow in chart analysis is to begin with the long range and gradually work to the near term in order to gain perspective 52. For a futures contract, daily volume refers to the number of contracts traded during the day 53. The objective of the DOD theory is to determine the primary direction of the stock market. 54.Point and figure ignores time and volume 55. The concept of RSI measures the relationship between two securities 56. The resistance level of a price trend refers to the level where selling interest is sufficiently strong to overcome buying pressure 57. Advance-decline lin e 58. Considerate Wave extends for a period of 54 years 59. The target for a rectangle can be calculated by adding the height of the formation to the breakout price 60. MA crossovers can be used to indicate buy and sell signals 61 . Not considered a sentiment indicator? Specialist short sales ratio advance decline line 62.Not correct regarding speed resistance lines? 63. ***An exhaustion gap is associated with the beginning state of a bear market 64. Statements that is right regarding point and figure charts and bar charts is correct? A new plot on a point and figure chart is made only when the price changes by a given amount. 65. Point and figure charts display sequential reversals of price in unit increments 66. Point and figure chart, a new entry is added only when the price has moved by equal to or more than the specified box size 67. Point and figure 68. RSI between a stock and the market? Line 69.Candlestick displays opening price and closing price 70. A shaded real body candl estick means the closing price is lower than the opening price 71 . An important use of a trend line is to identify a price target for the extent of the price movement provide a signal of a reversal in trend 72. TA believes the more times a trend line has been successfully tested, the greater the significance of its violation 73. In a head and shoulders, volume generally is heaviest during the and phase 75. A SAM is often criticized because equal weight is given to each point included in the calculation 76.An exponentially smooth MA gives more weight to more recent observations 77. A sell signal is normally given when a shorter length moving average crosses a long length MA from above. 8. Oscillators are used to alert the analyst to overbought or oversold conditions 79. Oscillators are most useful when prices are in a trading range 80. Violated support levels typically become support levels as prices fall lower become resistance levels on price bounces 81 . As with trend lines, spee d resistance lines must be confirmed with volume reverse roles once they are violated 82.A rising RSI line for a stock in a falling market indicates that the stock is underperforming outperforming the market 83. Which indicators would be most helpful in analyzing a trading range? Oscillators 84. Not used to measure arrest breadth? Plurality index sell/buy ratio 85. RSI indicates positive price momentum the security is performing better than the market or the entity being compared 86. Not an assumption of TA? Investors act rationally 87. *** When Bollixing Bands contract it means that volatility has decreased 88. Least useful chart pattern? Broadening formations 89.Not a characteristic of a doc? It is an effective pattern based upon percent winners 90. Not correct about gaps? The most profitable gaps are opening gaps 91 . Continuation pattern? Flag 92. An extreme overbought reading on a momentum indicator in the early stages of a ally shows that the market is ready to correct indicat es that the rally is strong and will probably carry further 93. Chart establishes price targets based on a horizontal measurement point and figure charts 94. Contrary investing 95. Most comprehensive index? S 500 Composite Index Wilshire 5000 Equity Index 96.The longest term cycle recognized in TA is the Considerate cycle 97. The January effect refers to a seasonal tendency in which return for the year tend to be positive when January returns are positive Small cap stocks outperform lar cap stocks in January 98. Not a sentiment indicator? Brokerage firm hiring Relative Strength Index 99. Equivocal 100. Not a characteristic of on-balance volume (BOB)? It is interpreted by comparing it to the price divergences, trending breaks and price patterns to point out underlying strength or weakness. It is plotted on a bar chart 101 .Not correct regarding point and figure? Due to complexity in their creation, it has only come into common usage since the advent of computers 109. CEO sells 10,000 shares of his company shares? Informed market 110. Not a consideration for money management? Trend following strategies 1 1 1 . Risk is defined s variability of returns loss of capital 112. Important aspect of money management is diversification determining the optimum position size 113. 114. True regarding short sales except the trade does not need to be closed 1 15. Methods to measure RSI except beta method 116.Not included in CASSINI stock screening method? Annual sales increase 117. 120. The original Intent of Charles DOD was to use the interplay of his Industrial and Railroad averages as economic indicators 121 . DOD theory – the averages discount primary reversals and can create confusion 123. Volume goes with the trend – primary trend and secondary trend 124. Not a tool of Federal Reserve monetary policy? Changing the federal funds rate 125. A rising FIX means increasing implied volatility 126. A bullish sign for the stock market is high levels pessimism of Wal l Street strategists 131 .Three steps and a stumble is a market indicator based upon three consecutive increases in either the federal funds target rate, margin requirements or reverse requirements 134. Bar chart typically contain all prices except opening 135. Which price is common to both line and bar charts? Close Question Bank 2 13. The body of the candlestick line displays the relationship between the current rower than the open. 15. Which Western technical tools can be used on candle charts trend lines, moving averages, and Fibonacci retrenchments 16. A trend line is helpful in determining when a price reversal has taken place. 7. The basic concept behind the use of a trend line is that a trend in motion will remain in notion until it reverses. 18. Technical analysts GENERALLY believe a price close beyond the trend line is more significant than an intra-day penetration. 19. In general, market technicians believe that the more times a trend line has been successfully tester, th e greater the significance violation. 20. In a head and shoulders pattern, volume usually decreases with each successive peak. 21 . The characteristics of a cycle are amplitude, period and phase 22. A moving average smooth out data fluctuations 23.Moving averages are MOST often used to signal a reversal in price trend 24. A simple moving average is often criticized because equal weight is given to each point included in the calculation. 25. An exponentially smoothed MA gives more weight to more recent observations 26. A sell signal is when a shorter MA crosses a longer MA from above 27. Oscillators are used to alert the analyst to volume divergences overbought or oversold price conditions 28. All the following are momentum oscillators except relative strength index (RSI) advance/decline line 29.Most oscillators are constructed on a semi-logarithmic scale to highlight momentum so that the mid-point goes through zero 30. Oscillators are most helpful to gauge price behavior in sharply rising markets non-trending markets where price fluctuate in a well defined trading range 31 . Oscillators are most valuable when their value reaches an extreme reading near the upper or lower end of their boundaries. 32. ** Using an oscillator, one most often observes an acceleration in price momentum prior to a major market bottom a peak in momentum in a bull market before a peak in the price trend 33.A typical momentum index is constructed by plotting the difference in volume between the daily high price and the daily low price plotting the change in price between the beginning and end of time interval 34. In gauging the importance of a potential support or resistance level, the analyst must consider: all the above 35. Violated support levels typically become support levels as prices fall lower become resistance levels on price bounces 36. As with trend lines, speed resistance lines must be confirmed with volume reverse roles once they are broken 37.The minimum downside projectio n from a head and shoulders top pattern is derived by measuring the distance from the penetration of the neckline by the left shoulder to the penetration of the neckline by the right shoulder and extending down from the point of penetration of the right shoulder by projecting downward from the neckline the vertical distance from the top of the head to the neckline 38. Answer: identifying areas of accumulation and distribution. 39. Oscillator most used in analyzing rending markets? Stochastic MAC 40.A rising relative strength line for a stock in a falling market indicates that the stock is performing better than the market 41 . Most helpful in analyzing trading range markets? Moving averages. Oscillators 42. If one is studying a cycle of 8 weeks the assumption is that the next longest cycle is 16 weeks. 43. The dead cat bounce usually occurs at market bottoms 44. Presidential cycle realizes best returns during election and pre-election 45. The idea that all price movement is the addi tion of all active cycles is the basis for the all of the above 47.Relative strength is usually calculated by dividing the price of a security by the price of another security, index or subgroup. 48. Rising relative strength indicates the security is performing better than the market or the entity being compared. 49. RSI analysis is useful in identifying declining volume trends Industry group rotation 50. To spot weakness in an uptrend, volume should be falling 51 . **Which is not an assumption oft? The consensus is always wrong 52. When Bollixing Bands contract is means volatility has decreased 53. Point and figure charts are most useful in identifying areas of support and resistance 54.Which would not considered a means of identifying a trend regression lines / moving averages relative strength lines 55. Does not describe standard deviation lines: a buy is generated when prices crosses the -1 standard deviation line from above 56. Candlestick charts can be used to identify all of the above 57. Not considered a factor in determining the significance off trend line? Distance from price 58. MA – simple 59. Which is the least significant penetration of a rising trend line? Two successive antiradar penetrations of trend line 60. Which are considered important in determining the validity of a trend line break?All the above 61 . None of the above. Using a weighted moving average 62. Not considered a support level? Previous high, previous low, and trading range all of the above are considered as potential support levels 63. What is meant by the statement â€Å"volume precedes price†? Changes in supply and demand are often apparent in volume before price 64. A complete Elliot wave is made up of five motive impulse waves and three corrective waves 65. A descending triangle that forms in a downtrend would probably be considered a reversal pattern a continuation pattern 66. Least reliable? Broadening formations 67.Not true about volume? Both price and volu me can fall off sharply after a buying climax A rally that occurs on rising volume points to a probable trend reversal 68. Least true about a doc? A continuation pattern 69. Not true about gaps? Gaps are always almost filled 70. Most likely a continuation pattern? Flag 71 . Risk can be defined as amount loss per trade all of the above 72. The ratio would be positive 73. An extreme overbought reading on a momentum indicator in the early states of a will probably carry further 74. True of an up-trending market? B and C 75. Sentiment indicator most useful to traders?Put/call ratios 76. **Best suited for establishing price targets based on a horizontal measurement? Line charts point and figure charts 77. Contrary opinion is a useful investment because it is at turning points where people are wrong 78. Not one of the â€Å"essential areas† of TA? Market structure indicators business cycle analysis 79. Longest term trend in the market is the primary secular 80. In the DOD theory, m ost important price is the close 81 . Most popular types of market indexes include all of the following except: logarithmic weighted 82. Most comprehensive (all-inclusive) index is Wilshire 5000Equity Index 83. Most important in identifying a head and shoulders top pattern? A shoulder must decrease substantially from previous rallies 84. The longest-term cycle is the Considerate cycle 85. The January effect refers small cap stocks outperform large cap stocks 86. Not a sentiment indicator? Relative strength 92. A simple moving average is slower to respond to price changes than a weighted moving average 93. One reason why price oscillators are useful is because price tends to lead momentum momentum tends to lead price 94. A secondary cycle can be used to determine the major trend of the market – false 95.The trend of each cycle is most strongly influenced by the trend of the next longest cycle – true 96. Divergence and failure swings are most useful on an RSI indicator w hen they occur below the 80 70 and above the 30 lines. 98. Describes BOB – a breadth momentum oscillator on days when prices close higher, it is assumed that all volume is represented by buyers 99. Not true about point and figure charting? Due to the complexity in creating these charts, it has only come into common usage with the advent of computers. 100. What s the relevance of the box size in point and figure charting?Box size is the amount the price must change before a new column is created box size determines the sensitivity of frequency of trading 101 . Open interest? The total number of outstanding long or short contracts 102. Difference between point and figure charts and bar charts? Point and figure charts provide clearer trading signals 103. Comparison of candlestick charts to bar charts? Candlestick allow for easier visual interpretation 104. In candlestick charts, what is considered the essence of the price movement? Real body 105. What additional interpretation i s possible with candlestick charts compared to bar charts?Support levels. Relative strength between bulls and bears Question 3 1 . Cycles are measure low to low 2. This cycle principle states, as stocks go through similar cycles the size and magnitude will differ – variation 3. Most useful aspect of studying cycles of different lengths? Phase 4. In regards to cycles, translation useful in checking where the trend direction is headed or if it is changing 5. Elliot wave cycle is 8 waves 6. 5-wave Elliot wave, longest is expected to be the 3rd 7. When analyzing long-term price movements, it could be helpful to use which type of chart?Logarithmic chart 8. Least likely a continuation pattern – inverse head and shoulders broadening formation 9. Not considered a support level? All of the above are considered to be support levels 10. According to DOD Theory, secondary corrections can be replaced by a line 11. Least important factor in determining the significance of a trend li ne? Distance from price 12. For a breakout or breakdown from a triangle to be considered valid it should no more than three-quarters of the distance to the apex from the beginning of the pattern 13. Bollixing Bands narrow – volatility has decreased 14.Not true about gaps? Gaps are always filled 15. Best characterizes continuation pattern? There is sideways price action 16. 17. In order for the DOD theory sell signal to be confirmed – b and c 18. The DOD theory uses only closing prices 19. 20. Point and figure charts are least suited to identifying breakouts areas of accumulation or distribution 21 . In a doll candlestick supply and demand are in balance 22. Fibonacci rater? 23. MA crossovers sell signal when the fast falls below the slow 24. MA are of least use in generating buy or sell signals in a sideways trend 25. 0 points there would be no count 26. Usually associated with major market tops? Broadening formations 27. On balance volume is used to all the above 28. Common filters used to confirm a trend line break include all the above 29. The length of a minor trend is about 6 weeks 30. Rectangle, triangle, flag and so on, volume decreases as the pattern develops 31 . Gap least likely to be filled when it occurs with high volume? Breakaway 32. Trends are more likely to persist than reverse in all markets 33. One of the greatest strengths of TA is its flexibility 34.Trend lines should always generally be redrawn to accommodate an accelerating rend 35. Which of the following is not an important use for an oscillator? Provides a method of evaluating the performance of a security relative to another security or index 36. Percentage parameters not widely recognized percentage retrenchments? 45% 37. 39. 41. 42. 43. 45. Inter market analysis? Study of the interrelationships between the various independent financial markets 46. The secondary trend is measured in weeks or months and the intermediate trend is measured in weeks or months 47.A characteri stic of a trend? Any trend is influenced by its next larger and smaller trend 48. The directional indicator can be defined as two lines tracking higher highs and lower lows to determine trend 49. Which is false? Breakouts from support and resistance is usually a change in trend the longer the trend, the less significant the breakout 50. A descending triangle has a falling resistance line and a horizontal support line 51 . How would you use relative strength analysis when comparing sectors? Divide the price of one sector by an industry benchmark and compare 52.To increases sensitivity in a point and figure, decrease the box size 53. Point and figure – one box reversal chart 54. In what charting technique will trend lines be drawn at 45 degrees? Point and figure 55. Not found in P? Bullish engulfing pattern antiradar XIX P, which breakout is most significant? A breakout from a 15 column congestion zone 58. O price movement 59. Characteristic of a logarithmic scale? Preferred ov er arithmetic scaling for long- term trend analysis 60. P are named according to their box and reversal size 61 . O movement 62.Cycles are measured from through to through 63. 10 day cycles are best timed with 5 day oscillators 64. Not true? Normality is the principle that relates cycles of different lengths cause they are rarely identical principle of proportionality states that a cycle of similar duration exists everywhere in the market 65. Not common of reversal patterns? The larger the pattern, the greater the subsequent move tops usually take longer to form than bottoms 66. An inverse head and shoulders pattern is a reversal pattern 67. The MAX objective of reversal pattern is 100% retrenchment 68. False 69.Futures do not require an optic to short 70. True about double tops? They often occur at market bottoms height is often used as a measuring objective 71 . Not correct regarding reversal patterns? 2 and 4 2. Equally WA? Is the way the DOD Jones Industrial Average is calculate d an investor invests that same dollar amount in each security 73. A reasonable price objective once a stock has completed a head and shoulders pattern is equivalent to the distance between the head and the neckline 74. A continuation pattern is all of the above 75. A symmetrical triangle is all of the above 76.The apex of a triangular pattern is all of the above 77. True 78. The breakout from a triangle formation all of the above 79. Descending triangle considered a bullish pattern B and C 80. Flag and pennants are not reversal patterns 81 . The measuring technique for most continuation patterns implies that a price objective from the breakout point is equal to the height of the pattern at its broadest point 82. The reversal pattern that can also appear as a continuation pattern is head and shoulders. 83. Best describes continuation patterns? They are represented by sideways price action 84.Stock traders rely heavily on 50 and 200 day moving averages and 30 to 40 weeks moving avera ges 85. The simple moving average gives equal weigh to each periods price 86. A channel breakout system works extremely well in a and c 87. The moving average is all of the above 8. The crossover method refers to a buy or sell signal generated when a shorter moving average crosses a longer moving average 89. The most used price to calculate the moving average is the close 90. In a 10-day simple moving average, each days price is assigned a weighting of 10% 91 .Which moving average assigns greater weight to the most recent data? Exponential or weighted 92. Longer term moving averages A and C 93. A moving average is a smoothing device 94. Shorter moving averages produce more trades 95. To help confirm a price trend, volume should expand in the direction of the trend 6. Volume divergence occurs when a new high in an uptrend takes place on active light volume 98. Volume in a head and shoulders pattern is usually highest where? During the left shoulder 99. Triangle price patterns should be accompanied by a gradual drop-off in volume until the breakout 100.Technicians believe that volume matters most during breakouts volume precedes price 101 . A selling climax typically occurs at a market bottom 102. Open interest is the number of outstanding in a given day 103. A candlestick with equal opening and closing is a doll 104. The primary use of a candlestick tatter is to determine if you are in a bull market or bear market strengthen the possibility off reversal or continuation off price trend 105. All of the following are momentum oscillators except relative strength index advance/decline line 106.

Understanding Distributed Leadership and Impact on Teaching

Distributed leading has been the topic of much research in the domain of instruction in recent old ages. This research study explores how it is understood in the context of the Irish station primary school that I am presently employed in, with some mention to its impact on instruction and acquisition in the school. Our school is a Dublin south interior metropolis Presentation all-girls Secondary School ( now under the Backing of the late formed trust organic structure CEIST ) with disadvantaged position. There are 28 members of the teaching staff: principal, deputy principal, 7 Assistant Principals ( including a Programme Coordinator station ) , 8 Particular Duties Teachers and 11 instructors with no formal leading place. The Board of Management manages the school on behalf of the Patron and must confer with with and maintain the Patron informed of any determinations, proposals and policy alterations. Staff voluntaries have ever been invited to take part on assorted undertaking groups and subcommittees in our school. These groups were seen as being really of import in the development or alteration of policies or curricular issues and their recommendations were by and large taken on board by both staff and the principal/deputy principal. These groups have had no deficit of voluntary members from both postholders and non-postholders, which would propose a ‘fundamental nucleus of values that all members of the organisation clasp ‘ ( E849 Study Guide, pg. 21 ) and besides highlighted the fact that distributed leading exists within the school. The purpose of this assignment is to research the construct of distributed leading and the influence leading patterns have on instruction and acquisition in my school. The overall purpose of this research is to back up the instruction staff to go more cognizant of their ain leading perceptual experiences and patterns, with mention to the possibilities offered by distributed leading to positively impact on instruction and acquisition within the school. Given the fact that this was a little graduated table survey that had to be conducted in a short clip frame merely one research inquiry was addressed in the research: How make the instructors, chief and deputy chief understand the construct of distributed leading and how does this nexus to instruction and acquisition within the school? The attack taken throughout this research begins with the premise that a instructor ‘s leading function begins in the schoolroom with the influence they have on their students but besides extends beyond the walls of the schoolroom to working collaboratively with co-workers ( learning or accessory ) . A instructor ‘s leading function may widen to their part to the school civilization. Teachers may keep a station of duty ( Adjunct Principal or Special Duties ) or an in agreement place outside the formal station construction, e.g. capable coordinator. The Post of Responsibility system is a construction whereby a figure of instructors are given extra wage to transport out specified undertakings, responsibilities and duties in the school. It is besides called the â€Å" in-school direction † system. There are two classs of station ; Assistant Principal and Particular Duties. The Assistant Chief station carries an extra salary allowance of about a‚ ¬9,000 per annum and the Particular Duties allowance is about a‚ ¬5,000 per annum. Teachers in reception of either of these allowances are required to carry through responsibilities and take duties in add-on to their full instruction hours. The responsibilities attached to the station are defined by the Board of Management following a audience procedure affecting all the staff. The audience procedure includes an analysis of the school demands, understanding on the precedences and the pulling up of a â€Å" Agenda of stations † to fit the in agreement precedences. Each school is allocated a specific figure of Particular Duties and Assistant Principal stations on the footing of school size, harmonizing to a expression based on the figure of whole-time instructors in the school. Appointment to a station of duty is by competitory interview among the instructors already employed in the school, whether full clip or portion clip, lasting or impermanent. Choice standards have been agreed at national degree and include recognition for the figure of old ages experience in that school and â€Å" the most senior suited † ( DES Circular Letter 05/98 www.education.ie ) campaigner. Therefore, in most instances, instructors keeping stations of duty are more likely to be the instructors who have been in the school for the longest figure of old ages. However, other instructors may besides keep no formal place but may be influential with co-workers. Leadership at this degree may hold a important and direct influence on instruction and on the general acquisition environment. Distributed leading has been interpreted in many different ways, but incorporates many of the constructs outlined supra such as instructors as scholars, influence over co-workers and part to school clime and civilization whether or non in formal places of leading.Literature ReviewResearch has shown that leading is one of the most of import factors in doing a school successful ( OECD 2008, Leithwood and Riehl 2003 ) . Where leading is effectual staff and students are better motivated, people know what is traveling on because communications are clear and frequent, and everyone feels they are drawing together and working towards shared ends ( Day, Sammons et al 2007 ) . Distributed leading is one signifier of leading that is outstanding in the current educational discourse. The thought of distributed leading has been in being for about three decennaries. Murgatroyd and Reynolds ( 1984 ) stressed that â€Å" leading can happen at a assortment of degrees in response to a assortment of state of affairss and is non needfully tied to ownership of a formal organizational function † ( cited in Law and Glover 2003 p.37 ) . This construct incorporates thoughts such as instructors working together in squads and instructors taking a assortment of duties within the school. On the positive side, it was considered good to learning and larning within schools if instructors discussed their pattern with co-workers, gave and accepted reviews of their work and were unfastened to larning from each other. Another position broadened the range of their leading to decision-making in the overall operation of the school. Hallinger and Heck ( 1996 ) found small grounds associating distributed leading to improved pupil results. Weiss and Cambone ( 1994 ) found that instructors ‘ engagement in whole-school alteration could take away from schoolroom instruction. On the other manus, Greenleaf ( 1996 ) found it led to positive effects on instructor efficaciousness and degrees of morale within schools. Spillane, Halverson and Diamond ( 2001 ) position distributed leading as being cardinal to the instruction and larning procedure in the school and agree that leading involves all members of the school community, non merely the principal and deputy principal. They argue that leading happens in a assortment of ways throughout the school and is centred in the interactions between people. â€Å" Depending on the peculiar leading undertaking, school leaders ‘ cognition and expertness may be best explored at the group or corporate degree instead than at the single leaders degree † ( Spillane, Halverson and Diamond 2001, p.25 ) â€Å" Peoples in officially designated places and those without any such appellations can and make take duty for taking and pull offing in the schoolhouse † ( Spillane and Diamond 2007 p.7 ) . Therefore, this distributed leading position recognises that leading functions are played by different people at different times. Distributed leading ( Gronn, 2000 ) ‘sees leading as a map which is widely dispersed through the administration instead than as a duty vested in an person ‘ ( Study Guide, pg.21 ) . The station of duty construction in Irish schools allows for some of the leading maps to be distributed throughout the designated station holders, though this still leaves the inquiry about how to affect all non-post holders. Distributed leading ‘assumes that there is an underlying values consensus that enables staff to work harmoniously towards shared intents and to hold on the bases by which the effectivity of their organisation is judged ‘ ( Study Guide, pg.21 ) . This, therefore, would look to presume a greater engagement by all staff in the determination procedure of the administration. One of the features of distributed leading is â€Å" an emergent belongings of a group or web of interacting persons † ( Woods et al 2004, p.441 ) . Gronn footings this pooling of energies ‘concertive action ‘ and suggests that it is about the extra moral force which is the merchandise of conjoint activity – where people work together in such a manner that they pool their enterprise and expertness, the result is a merchandise or energy which is greater than the amount of their single actions ( Gronn 2000 ) . This is comparable to Spillane ‘s definition of distributed leading as â€Å" the collective belongingss of the group of leaders working together to ordain a peculiar undertaking, taking to the development of a leading pattern that is potentially more than the amount of each person ‘s pattern † ( Spillane et al 2001 p.25 ) . Theories on teamwork portion the position that working together produces consequences over and above what would be expected from persons working entirely. The literature on teamwork frequently makes the differentiation between formal and informal squads but suggests that both types operate best in a civilization that fosters an unfastened clime and where relationships are based on trust, common protection and support ( Belbin 2000, Nias et Al 1989 ) . There can be given to be some tensenesss between ‘designated leaders and distributed leading ‘ ( E849 Study Guide, pg.146 ) . School Principals are accountable for school public presentation, supported by deputy principal and designated station holders. ‘On the other manus, much of the productive work of educational organisations takes topographic point in collaborative squads, characterized by professional norms and distributed leading, where those with relevant expertness take the lead, irrespective of formal functions ‘ ( E849 Study Guide, pg.146 ) . However, ‘the construct of distributed leading still assumes that persons will follow that lead when it is provided ‘ ( E849 Study Guide, pg. 21 ) . Teamwork is a cardinal component of distributed leading in that the nature and intent of distributed leading is â€Å" the ability of those within a school to work together, building significance and cognition jointly and collaboratively † ( Lambert 1998 p.5 ) . However, the being of structured squads entirely does non represent distributed leading. In fact, distributed leading patterns may non underscore the formal structured attack to teamwork but instead acknowledge that groups of instructors work together as appropriate in order to accomplish a peculiar aim at a given clip. Another typical feature of distributed leading ( Woods et al 2004 ) , is that the distribution of leading varies harmonizing to expertness. There is acknowledgment that assorted undertakings require different expertness and that all the expertness does non shack in one individual at the top. Schools presents are complex administrations and therefore it is excessively much to anticipate that they can be led by one individual. â€Å" The function of chief is now so complex and demanding, that it is unrealistic to believe that any one individual can dispatch the function without the aid of considerable figure of co-workers, both from the instruction and the support staff † ( Martin 2006 ) . This is peculiarly important in the context of leading for improved acquisition as it is recognised in the literature that the most important influence on pupil acquisition is the direct influence the instructor has in the schoolroom. The construct of trust emerges from the literature as being important ( Duignan 2006 ) . Teachers need to experience sure and supported by their principals and their co-workers. Trust is necessary if instructors are to experience motivated in their work and if they are to be allowed to originate an activity and take duty for decisionmaking. Along with being trusted in their work, people besides need support. Peoples want to speak about what they are making – back uping these conversations is an indispensable undertaking of the leader ( Wheatley 1999 ) . Trust, allied with support, is an underpinning value within the construct of distributed leading. Harris ( 2004 ) recognises that structural and cultural barriers operate within schools which could do it really hard for some instructors to demo leading. Cheating for power places in a school can make a clime which is non contributing to, for illustration, immature instructors showing their sentiment, particularly if it differs from the traditional or prevalent sentiment. Such action could be perceived as a menace to the position quo. Another construct that links distributed leading with acquisition is that of professional larning communities. Professional larning communities may be viewed as an extension of teacher leading. For illustration, Harris et Al ( 2003 p.79 ) identifies four dimensions of the teacher leading function that extends to the overall operation of the school. Teacher leaders: – 1. translate the rules of school betterment into the patterns of single schoolrooms ( a brokering function ) ; 2. aid other instructors to cling around a peculiar development and further a more collaborative manner of working ; 3. drama a mediating function in school betterment. They are an of import beginning of expertness and information ; 4. forge close relationships with single instructors where common acquisition takes topographic point. Schools with professional acquisition communitiess study important benefits for pupils, including lower rates of absenteeism and decreased dropout rates. pupils have besides exhibited academic additions in maths, scientific discipline, history and reading than in traditional schools. ( Hirsh and Hord 2008 p.27 ) . The direct nexus between leading and pupil results â€Å" is a rare event so in the research literature on educational leading and school betterment † ( Mulford, Silins and Leithwood 2003 p.3 ) However, Mulford et Al ‘s research found that what was of import was that staff are actively and jointly take parting in the school and experience that their parts are valued. This contributes to making a acquisition administration where instructors ‘ acquisition, every bit good as pupil acquisition, is valued ( p.6 ) .MethodologyDavies and Ellison ( 1999 ) argue that a assortment of data-gathering techniques should be used to develop a balanced position of the administration ‘s strategic place. For this ground, my chief research methodological analysiss involved the usage of a elaborate questionnaire distributed to all learning staff every bit good as a follow up focal point group meeting. These methods of probe have designed with the intent of better functioning the aims of the research. Mellon ( 1990, pg.49 ) states that the two chief inquiries to be addressed were: â€Å" who might hold the information you need and who is accessible † ? As highlighted by Patton ( 1990, pg.45 ) , â€Å" where the focal point is on persons, an inductive attack begins with the single experiences of those persons † . This multi-method attack allowed for triangulation, utilizing different methods of informati ons aggregation within the survey to guarantee that it is as full and balanced as is possible within the comparatively short clip graduated table. A mixed-method attack was decided on, through which a questionnaire would place relevant issues on distributed leading in order that these issues could be examined in more item in focal point groups. Strauss and Corbin ( 1998 ) highlight the function of literature reappraisal as a valuable beginning of experience that leaves the research worker with: better apprehension of the information needs on the field, aware of the spreads left by old surveies, and sensitive to the issues he/she might place in the information. Literature could be a secondary beginning of informations, and assist the research worker to explicate inquiries to be used in interviews and questionnaires, during the initial stairss of the research. It can besides corroborate findings, comparing the research consequences to past grounds. This will be really of import in this survey. My trust with all instructors involved is really of import to develop. ‘ As Bassey ( 1999 ) points out, research workers, in taking informations from people, should make so in a manner that recognizes those people ‘s initial ownership of the informations and that respects them as fellow human existences who are entitled to self-respect and privateness ‘ ( Study Guide, pg.55 ) . As worlds were evidently be the most of import constituent of this research, the issue of informed consent had to be addressed. Therefore, it was necessary to inform all interview participants about the survey, their function within the probe, and how the information they provided would be used. While, as argued by Miles and Huberman ( 1994, pg 291 ) it may be that genuinely informed consent is impossible in qualitative research the issue could non be dismissed, and, consequently all participants selected for the survey were informed of both the nature and intent of the research. They were besides given the chance to make up one's mind whether to take part in the study or to retreat at anytime. The chief rules of research moralss are: The individuality of participants ‘ must be protected in order that the published consequences of the survey do non mortify or harm them in any manner. Anonymity must hence be extended to all records, written or electronically recorded, that are collected during the survey. All participants must be treated with regard and informed of the research worker ‘s involvements. The participant must hold to take part in the survey. The research worker must non lie to the participants or record conversations on concealed mechanical devices. The research worker must do clear the footings of the research and abide by the footings of the understanding. The findings must be based on the informations and truthfully reported. ( Bogdan and Biklen, 1992 ) These form the chief push of my ethical considerations when carry oning the survey. For this research, a questionnaire was designed to guage instructors ‘ perceptual experiences of distributed leading and the patterns in the school that contribute to it. The findings were used to organize the footing for farther probe through a focal point group treatment. The questionnaire was chiefly an attitudinal one and hence used the Likert graduated table which places people ‘s replies on an attitude continuum ( May 2001 p.104 ) . In add-on, three unfastened inquiries were included. This allowed participants greater freedom in their replies. Responses to the questionnaires were used to clear up the research inquiries and place more specific issues which would be discussed within the focal point group. Focus groups have been defined as a group of persons selected and assembled by research workers to discourse and notice on, from personal experience, the subject that is the topic of the research. ( Powell et al 1996 p.499 ) They can be used to determine attitudes, feelings, cognition, perceptual experiences, thoughts and beliefs of participants, from the participants ‘ personal experience. As the literature suggests ( Gibbs 1997 and McNamara 2006 ) , the research worker plays an of import function which includes supplying a clear intent, assisting people to experience at easiness and easing interaction between group members. This was made slightly more hard, given that the research was conducted in my ain school. In hindsight, it may hold been more appropriate to carry on the probe in a neighbouring school. Questionnaires were distributed to all instructors in the school. The questionnaire was designed on the footing of findings from the literature on distributed leading. Part 1 of the questionnaire contained 15 statements refering to leading and participants were asked to rate their understanding or otherwise with these statements utilizing the Likert graduated table. Respondents ‘ tonss of 4 or 5 denote understanding or strong understanding. Tonss of 2 or 1 denote dissension or strong dissension severally and a evaluation of 3 is considered ‘neutral ‘ . Part 2 consisted of 15 statements refering to leading patterns in schools. In this subdivision, participants were asked to hit each point on the footing of how far along a spectrum their school was in implementing this pattern. A mark of 4 or 5 denotes a well-established pattern and a pattern which is being refined, severally. Tonss of 2 or 1 denote that the pattern is get downing or does non go on in the school severally. A evaluation of 3 denotes that advancement is being made in this pattern. By inquiring respondents to bespeak their grades of understanding with these statements, the research worker can determine the respondents ‘ perceptual experiences of distributed leading and place the key issues which they highlight as being cardinal to the pattern of distributed leading and its connexions to learning and larning. These can be analysed from a normative position, based on the literature findings. The questionnaire included three unfastened inquiries ; the first elicits farther penetrations into respondents ‘ apprehension of distributed leading, the 2nd asks them to place factors that support their work and the 3rd seeks to place factors that inhibit their work. Following treatment at a staff meeting, where I explained the intent of the research, staff agreed to take part and questionnaires were distributed to the 28 instructors on staff. A sum of 16 questionnaires were returned ( 57 % response rate ) . In order to reply the research inquiries it was necessary to garner farther informations from a focal point group comprised of instructors that have experience of different degrees of leading. Therefore, the group comprised of the principal and deputy principal, 3 instructors who hold stations of duty and 3 instructors who do non keep stations of duty. The focal point group was about one hr continuance.FindingssResponses to the first set of statements on the questionnaire identified a figure of issues perceived by the respondents to be associated with distributed leading. It was clear from the questionnaire responses that all instructors perceived themselves to be leaders. However, the context of that leading was in the schoolroom – they see themselves as leaders of their pupils within the schoolroom, holding a direct influence on their acquisition. Their position of themselves as leaders with influence beyond the schoolroom was instead limited. The questionnaire besides revealed that instructors believe that learning and acquisition is influenced positively when instructors work together and when they engage in professional development to better their cognition and accomplishments. Besides, instructors saw distributed leading as including their engagement in decision-making and in taking new enterprises in the school. However, they besides acknowledge the cardinal function the principal dramas, for illustration in guaranting that there is a shared vision among staff and that pastoral attention systems operate efficaciously for pupils. In response to the 2nd set of statements on the questionnaire, respondents highlighted a figure of leading patterns that are operational in the schools to a greater or lesser extent. These patterns were identified as: Monitoring and back uping pupil acquisition Working together as a staff Structures and systems such as capable sections and stations of duty Monitoring and back uping pupil acquisition included holding systems to back up pupil larning analyzing consequences of scrutinies and utilizing the information to reappraisal patterns all instructors playing a function in supervising pupil public presentation and four ) all school policies being designed with a focal point on heightening, bettering and developing a high quality larning environment. These points were all portion of a late completed DEIS program in the school. Working together as a staff incolved: discoursing school development precedences at staff meetings, professional development on whole-school issues, jointly prioritizing specific actions to better acquisition. Capable sections were seen as organizing a cardinal portion of distributed leading. However, in the school they are considered to be a forum for sharing resources and are merely now being used for capable planning. The responses from the unfastened inquiry on distributed leading emphasised community and coaction instead than hierarchy. The 2nd unfastened inquiry on the questionnaires asked instructors to call the factors that back up them in their work. The cardinal issue emerging was the demand for support and aid from both co-workers and direction, peculiarly in covering with student behavioural or disciplinary issues. They besides referred to the accessibility, handiness and openness of the principal as being an of import factor in enabling them to make their occupation good. Other factors stated were encouragement from direction, being trusted and treated as a professional, good administration and planning and being allowed to seek out new thoughts without intervention. The positions of distributed leading expressed by respondents in the questionnaires were reinforced in the focal point group treatment, peculiarly by the post-holders. However, different positions on the nature of decision-making were expressed by the post-holders ‘ in the focal point group ; foremost, if leading is distributed so that should intend doing determinations together but on the other manus, â€Å" sometimes it is of import for a principal to do a determination. There might be a determination that the squad ca n't hold on and it is a atrocious determination and the principal has to do the determination. † The participants in the focal point group agreed that it was of import that everybody has a voice. The thought of holding a voice was extended farther by a non post-holder, who stated that â€Å" if, at a staff meeting, people are listened to, so you are traveling to acquire the message that this is a good topographic point to portion enterprise and portion thoughts. † Participants besides agreed that instructors are function theoretical accounts for the pupils and that their behavior and interactions with co-workers, every bit good as with pupils, have a major influence on pupils. ‘We ‘re function theoretical accounts for pupils in what we do, in how we interact and speak with each other ‘ . The focal point group treatment allowed for a grade of interaction, dissension and argument about issues and constructs that was non possible in reacting to a questionnaire. Leadership and direction were debated. While there was a general consensus that leading involved everybody in the school, there was some argument about the function of postholders. The consensus among the group was that all instructors, non merely post-holders, can be empowered to take. The principal saw distributed leading as widening beyond schoolroom leading to whole-school issues. ‘Now about every member of staff will either hold authorization delegated to them for a peculiar country or will take it on their ain back to organize something. Whether you are a coach or whatever it is, there is much more involvement in school life now than there was in the yesteryear ‘ . ‘I would see leading as leading wherever it expresses itself throughout the school, whether it is in direction or whether it is running the school musical or whatever it might be that it is the capacity of the individual to convey people with you to accomplish a peculiar undertaking ‘ . Concepts mentioned by both the principal and deputy principal included authorization, giving independency, engagement in decision-making, recognizing expertness, taking by illustration, deputation and making an environment where people are non afraid to take hazards and are encouraged to take enterprise. There is strong overlap between the positions expressed by the principal and deputy chief and those expressed by both post-holders and non post-holders. There was really strong understanding among all participants in the focal point group that leading is a construct that can use to all instructors, whether they hold a place or station of duty or non. The participants all agreed that distributed leading is about authorising people, leting them to take enterprise and be involved in decision-making. They besides agreed that it is about the ambiance in the school that encourages instructors to take leading functions in specific facets of the school, e.g. extra-curricular activities and particular maps that occur in the school from clip to clip. There was understanding that distributed leading incorporates the thought of instructors working together in squads and join forcesing in planning and supplying larning chances for pupils. This applies at both capable section degree and at whole school degree, for illustration holding a squad attack to policy development. There was understanding that if all instructors took leading duty beyond their schoolroom, e.g. for pupils ‘ behavior in the corridor, it would be a really good school. But a note of cautiousness was sounded about some instructors taking on excessively much power and the demand for the principal to â€Å" direct † came through strongly â€Å" he directs us to do certain we ‘re all talking with one voice to pupils and parents † . All were in understanding that the principal and deputy play a peculiar leading function, whether in pull offing staff or directing patterns, so that there will be a shared vision in the school. The post-holders themselves discussed the readying and preparation they received when appointed to their stations of duty. There was strong understanding that they had no formal preparation for their station. They watched other post-holders making similar occupations, particularly twelvemonth caputs. They all agreed that non merely did you watch them but you consulted with them and asked their advice and sentiment. Some stations, nevertheless, are new and their officeholders hence have no ‘predecessor ‘ or co-workers to confer with with. These stations require â€Å" an atrocious batch of enterprise † . Some clip was given to discoursing the system in topographic point for communicating between post-holders and the principal or deputy chief. The participants in the group see meetings, whether formal or informal, with the principal or deputy as being a signifier of support to them in their function. The agreements for formal meetings varied significantly between schools and besides between the two degrees of postholders, i.e. adjunct principals are more likely to hold formal meetings with the principal and deputy than particular responsibilities instructors. The participants agreed that the particular responsibilities instructors were non seen as a squad because they ne'er meet. Generally all Assistant Principals held twelvemonth caput places, while the particular responsibilities maps were more varied which may travel some manner in explicating why meetings ne'er took topographic point. The treatment led to a argument about remaining after school for meetings. In a neighbouring school this is the norm one time a month. Post holders stated they would non be willing to make this, as stations were supposed to be carried out during the school twenty-four hours. However, a non station holder mentioned that because post-holders get an extra allowance they should be willing to remain on after school to transport out responsibilities related to their station. Cipher responded to this statement. There was a important grade of similarity in participants understanding of distributed leading. It is something that must pervade the whole school and is apparent through the prevalent civilization and atmosphere. The principal and deputy chief drama a really of import function in puting this ambiance and they do this in both formal and informal ways. The general ‘approachability ‘ of both chief and deputy plays a cardinal function – demoing a echt involvement in and concern for the work of each person teacher helps to put the tone for how people approach their work. But distributed leading goes beyond that to supplying chances for instructors to exert leading. This may be through actions like chairing a meeting, taking a new enterprise or taking an extra-curricular activity. This chance to exert leading must be facilitated from the top, i.e. the principal or deputy. There was besides understanding that constructions were an of import component of distributed leading as they allow for leading to be exercised by a assortment of people. Structures included capable sections and squads set up to turn to a assortment of school development issues from clip to clip. To be considered a ‘structure ‘ , they must hold clip to run into and peculiar ends to accomplish. Different people may play different functions from clip to clip within these constructions and in that manner they allow for instructors ‘ voices to be heard, therefore including them in the overall decision-making of the school. They besides provide chances for instructors to exert their influence, whether they hold a formal place of leading or non. In the responses to the questionnaires 93 % of respondents agreed that when instructors work together pupil acquisition is enhanced. The focal point group besides agreed that the pupils benefit when everybody works together. ‘I believe they [ pupils ] pick up on an ambiance where everybody is working together, and where more cognition is transferred between sections, staff is more cognizant of how pupils are making. They pick up on those sorts of things that are in the ethos of the school ‘ . Capable sections are now playing a more of import function than in the yesteryear. The capable section meetings offer the chance to be after lessons together, to synchronize learning across a twelvemonth group and to discourse learning methods for peculiar elements of the course of study. There was understanding that many capable sections are in the early phases of development, and that holding formal capable meetings is indispensable for this development to go on. But capable section meetings are non the lone structures that enable instructors to work together. An illustration was given of a meeting, set up by a principal, to reexamine the advancement of a peculiar pupil. All instructors involved with this pupil were invited to analyze the state of affairs and aid instructors to work together to run into the challenges of back uping this pupil in his acquisition. This meeting required a restructuring of the timetable for the period of the meeting and the proviso of category screen for some instructors but the precedence it was given showed the belief in the power of instructors working together to better the educational experience for this pupil. In the focal point group there were two instructors who had trained and worked in the UK and Australia. They spoke of their experience of working as portion of a squad in their several schools. They both agreed that the constructions were more formal than in Ireland and that these formal constructions non merely enabled instructors to work together but created the outlook that they would. There were formal systems in topographic point for sharing resources, for keeping meetings and for detecting each other ‘s lessons. Both instructors agreed that these systems and constructions were good. There was consensus in the focal point group that when the ambiance is friendly instructors can speak to each other and ask inquiries in an informal scene such as the staffroom. They expressed the support they felt when they work together. It removes the sense of isolation and supports their schoolroom instruction. The quotation mark below is brooding of the consensus among the group. Not merely does it assist instructors but they besides perceived that it has a positive impact on pupils. ‘I will inquire the other instructors inquiries and I think it has truly helped me to loosen up and experience that I am non†¦ a small island on my ain. I can inquire for aid. Thingss like that do pervade out to the pupils every bit good when they see it ‘ . There is besides acknowledgement that newer patterns such as school development planning and Department of Education reviews have encouraged instructors to work together.Decisions and RecommendationsIn the questionnaire in this research, the respondents suggested that pupils and their parents should play a leading function in the school but, in pattern, their voices are frequently non heard in decision-making. A really important position on distributed leading is losing from this study by non including these two component groups. Further research should include both pupils and parents in the data-gathering procedure. Schools are now required to hold both pupil and parents ‘ councils and are expected to include them in policy development in the school..The function of capable sectionsThe function of capable sections has become more outstanding in schools in recent old ages, as a consequence of the school development planning and the whole school rating procedures. In this survey the function of capable sections in heightening pupil acquisition was acknowledged. Capable sections could supply a forum for sharing good thoughts and resources. A more formal attack would better the chances for these sections to act upon schoolroom pattern, for illustration by discoursing teaching method every bit good as course of study proviso. Further probe into the leading of capable sections would add well to the pattern of distributed leading in the school. This is surely an country of untapped potency. If instructors are trained in leading in their capable sections it would better the operation of a section and hence better instruction and acquisition. It would besides take to the betterment of instructors ‘ assurance in their ain leading abilities therefore constructing leading capacity in the school and finally lending to school betterment.Contemplations on my work in this ECAIn this geographic expedition of distributed leading, I had concerns about discoursing distributed leading with research participants before specifying or determining their apprehension of leading in general. For that ground, a questionnaire was given to instructors. This was a really utile exercising in that it produced thoughts about leading and how instructors perceived school leading. It yielded a really wide reading of leading but identified the fact that instructors accept that they play a leading functio n – leading is non the exclusive privilege of the principal and deputy principal. However, in hindsight, more geographic expedition of the difference between leading and direction would hold been helpful. I learned a batch about practician research in one ‘s ain educational administration. While one has the benefit of cognizing the participants, this can besides hold disadvantages. I was witting that participants may non hold been as unfastened and honest with me as they would be with an external research worker and that this may hold some deductions for my findings. In future research, I would prefer to work with staff in a school external to mine. I would interview the principal and deputy chief separate to the focal point group ( in order to guarantee a more unfastened treatment ) and would carry on two separate focal point groups – one for postholders and one for non postholders in order that their positions could be comprehensively compared. A utile result of the research procedure has been the articulation by instructors themselves of their leading function, and a acknowledgment of the influence they exert non merely on the pupils but besides over their co-workers. The research has highlighted certain issues that the school could concentrate on that would heighten instruction and acquisition. If the ambiance is positive, so a civilization of coaction can be developed and the leading function of postholders can be discussed and articulated more clearly. Similarly, more preparation for capable section squad holds the possibility of doing a really positive part to school betterment. The leading of the principal and deputy principal is really of import. First, they create the positive ambiance by paying attending to each person teacher – recognizing that their influence on pupil acquisition is through their instructors. Second, they are in a place to organize constructions and systems that enable instructors to work together and to develop leading accomplishments. Third, professional development is an of import portion of making an ambiance of larning among staff. Having completed the survey, the findings can be used by the school in a figure of ways. The principal will have a study sketching the responses to the questionnaire and a sum-up of findings from the focal point group treatment. The cardinal issues will hold deductions for the principal and deputy principal in that the findings highlight the importance of their leading function in developing a positive acquisition environment but besides in developing single leading accomplishments in instructors and supplying chances for leading to be exercised among co-workers. All of these have the potency to better instruction and acquisition. The studies could besides be used as a footing for treatment among postholders, concentrating on their function in taking acquisition. This research study set out to research what was meant by distributed leading and to see, if practised in a school, would it lend to bettering instruction and acquisition. Through questionnaires and a focal point group treatment the construct of distributed leading was explored and the consequences presented and analysed. A broad runing definition emerged that recognised that all instructors can be leaders, but the extent of their leading maps varies from within the schoolroom to their influence on pupils beyond their single schoolroom, to their leading influence over co-workers. Their apprehension of distributed leading encompassed structural and cultural issues, both of which had the possible to influence instruction and acquisition. This potency is non to the full realised, but with a more knowing focal point on instruction and acquisition and a witting development of leading capacity this state of affairs could alter to the benefit of pupils.

Auditing for Good Analytical Research

The accounting methodology is as old as most of our basic mathematics that we practice in our daily life. Its importance has played a key role in the financial industry ever since the era of banking industry had commenced. From the past till today accounting is often reflected as auditing for a huge amount of ransom, assets and any other entity which add value to an individual or organization.   With the heavy involvement of the financial industry, thus, it is essential for accounting to integrated policies, standards, protocols and other ethics to have better control of practices with high integrity which classifies into a single term, internal control. Referring to the above quote, the author`s view of internal accounting control may seem to provide more favourable arguments rather than against. But no ideology can be perfect. Firstly, this essay will contribute a fair illustration of the relationship between strong accounting system and legal practices. Then, the importance of t he existence of internal controls. Lastly, it will instigate the beneficial and loosing arguments of internal accounting controls referring to the best practice preferred by the organization. Internal control can be described as a process through which the organizations are able to coordinate the activities and put a bar on the fraudulent activities by the management, as well as the employees (KSU, 2016). For an effective planning, as well as control it is essential to have a well-defined internal control mechanism that will trace the deficiencies and bring transparency in the working. The element of internal control is assessed during the planning stage of the audit of a financial statement (Gilbert et. al, 2005). The outcome of the impact is directly in tune to the auditor’s stage of testing in detail.   To lessen detailed testing, the organization needs to have a strong system of an internal control. Internal controls are part and parcel of organization policies that pertains to finance and business. It comprises of all the actions undertaken by the management for the safeguard of the resources in terms of waste, fraud, and efficiency (KSU, 2016). Secondly, it helps in bringing accuracy, as well as reliability in accounting and operation of data. Thirdly, it enables a strong compliance with the regulations set by the organization (Hoffelder, 2012). Lastly, it helps in assessment of the performance of all the units of the organization. Internal control is simply a good practice that steers the business in an ethical manner. The internal control system is put into practice by the management or the ones who are entrusted with the duty of ensuring strong governance. It ensures that the compliance is done in terms of rules and regulations (Schaeffer, 2006). Moreover, it leads to efficiency in terms of operational efficiency. This can be possible when the internal control system is put into implementation through elements or subsystems and are termed as the components of an internal control system. It has five major components: This simply means a well-equipped environment of the entity where the operations of the business happen. A controlled environment enables strong control and keeps the wrong practices at bay. For example, if the organization is authentic and strict towards the false practices then the employees will fear in any kind of falsehood. This will ensure commitment and keep the fraud away (Manoharan, 2011).   Moreover, an auditor needs to have a proper understanding of the environment and determine whether it is implemented by the management and the behavior. One of the major roles of internal control is to trace and rectify the misstatements. Further, it needs to be noted that management will not wait for the happening of the misstatement rather it will find a measure to detect and correct it (Ingram, 2016). The entity develops the process of risk assessment that helps in identification of the material misstatement (ACCA, 2016). The auditor obtains a clear notion of how the process of risk evaluation process is working and whether it is shedding light on the risks that are expected, the influence of such a risk, an event of happening of such a risk and decision that pertains to such a risk (Harrington, 2003). Information has assumed a vital place in the space of business environment. When an audit engagement happens, an auditor adds to his understanding of the information, as well as a system of communication that is one of the elements of the accounting system (Ingram, 2016).   But, it is not always alike as the accounting system. It I described as the system through which the management develops a link with the internal and external environment. Controls are mechanisms that are implemented by the management to ensure that the financial information is reliable. An apt example is that of the debtors that cannot be written off without the consent of the finance director or any other relevant person. In a similar scenario, credit sales cannot be done until a recommendation is taken from the credit control department (Schaeffer, 2006). Such activities do not constitute authorization.   A need to enter the password in certain modules of an information system is a classic example of the information system. The last element of an internal control system is the process of monitoring. It can be treated as a service that is inbuilt to the system of internal control and evaluates the skills of an internal control system. The process of monitoring is done by evaluating the internal control operation that pertains to the current period and assessments that are separate in nature that includes routine and non-routine checks (Christensen, 2011). Such an evaluation requires external information like the feedback of the customer. Hence, the ones who are entrusted with the responsibility of governance take an appropriate step so that any risk or material misstatement is warded off with ease and flexibility. Internal control system will lessen the amount of audit work and this will have a positive impact because the auditors will be able to use system based audit that will enhance the level of audit work. Moreover, the presence of a strong internal control mechanism reduces the chances of frauds, as well as errors and will bring new supervision (ACCA, 2016). This will accelerate custody and the third party liability will be minimized bringing a great deal of speed and accuracy. Secondly, internal control lessens the audit evidence that needs to be produced as it enhances the audit evidence to be present within the business. This helps to frame a view that leads to speed and evidence (ACCA, 2016). Moreover, the presence of this control system solidifies the audit evidence that needs to be gathered. It reduces the work overload and reduces the time that is needed to prepare a report (Kruger, 2015). Last but not the least it provides a strong internal function that enables the auditor to focus more on the problem and facilitate the work. Further, it facilitates the company’s assets. The presence of internal control might lead to error and fraud because at times the major reliance is on the strength of internal control and this exposes the auditor to the liabilities that is civil in nature. Secondly, the presence of internal control lessens the volume of scrutiny that needs to be done by the auditor leading to smaller samples hence, leaving another area prone to fraud and problems.   Collusion, as well as manipulation might lead to mismanagement and hence, a biased report might occur. Further, the vigilance of an auditor is reduced owing to the internal control and hence, impacts the audit quality. It has the chances of being abused by the internal auditor through collision with the management. Gamers Den is situated in Cambridge (United States) and has a huge selection of games. It is strongly involved in providing an environment that is safe and friendly for the community at large. People can come and play their favourite games. The availability of a dedicated area makes it one of the best places to be in. Many events are even conducted that that attracts and accommodates various players. This keeps the store busy. Further, the presence of less number of employees makes it less complicated. The current internal control mechanism of the gamer den is straightforward. Two game designers are involved in the process that is designed, as well as promotion. On the other hand, two main assistants are present that is Phil and Amy and another employee is ELLA. The policies that the company follows are weak in terms of an internal control. During the hours of business, an amount of less than 50$ can be withdrawn from the cash register. Credit sales are available with a defined time period and according to the customer comfort that is weak in nature. Further, a single cash register is present that lacks all the entries and physical stock counting I unavailable. Moreover, a problem with the physical counting of the stock has appeared. Therefore, cash is collected and remains in the office till a person deposits it to a bank. Further staffs have an access to borrow iPad, laptops, etc. and there is no trace of the current items. A strong system that needs to be developed for Gamers Den will require a proper number of stuff. When the number of employees will be more, the work responsibility will be divided that will lessen the pressure (Lapsley, 2012). Further, the internal control must be structured in a manner that will lead to proper allocation of person who can shoulder the responsibility. In the present system, there is no availability of financial records and information lacks reliability. The accounting control will be a boon to the business. The system of accounting control will help the organization in many ways (Kaplan, 2011). The system of inventory will be maintained in a proper manner, before the issue of stock the authorization and approval will be needed. Further, budgetary control will aid the organization that will enhance the profit with the sales volume. The review of assets will be easier and hence, variances can be traced. The above report provides a clear cut indication that internal control is vital in the smooth running of the organization. It leads to a strong control over the activities that is not witnessed in an organization that lacks internal control. Therefore, internal control brings a wide variety of advantages that helps in steering the business. This leads to a strong momentum and helps the organization as a whole. When internal control is into practice it leads to an enhanced level of accountability and responsibility. ACCA 2016, Audit working papers, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.accaglobal.com/in/en/student/exam-support-resources/fundamentals-exams-study-resources/f8/technical-articles/effective-audit-service.html ACCA 2016, The new Auditor report, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.accaglobal.com/in/en/student/exam-support-resources/fundamentals-exams-study-resources/f8/technical-articles/auditor-report.html ACCA 2016, F8 Audit and Assurance aims and update, viewed 15 October 2016   https://www.accaglobal.com/ie/en/student/exam-support-resources/fundamentals-exams-study-resources/f8.html Christensen, J. 2011, ‘Good analytical research,’ European Accounting Review, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 41-51 Gilbert, W. Joseph J and Terry J. E 2005, The Use of Control Self-Assessment by Independent Auditors, The CPA Journal, vol.3, pp. 66-92 Harrington N 2003,   Risk Management & Insurance, McGraw- Hill Education (I) Ltd. Hoffelder, K 2012, New Audit Standard Encourages More Talking, Harvard Press. Ingram, D 2016, What Are the Seven Internal Control Procedures in Accounting?, viewed 15 October, 2016, https://smallbusiness.chron.com/seven-internal-control-procedures-accounting-76070.html Kaplan, R.S. 2011, Accounting scholarship that advances professional knowledge and practice, The Accounting Review, vol. 86, no. 2, pp.   367–383. Kruger, P 2015, Corporate goodness and shareholder wealth, Journal of Financial economics, pp. 304-329 KSU 2016, Internal Audit, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.k-state.edu/internalaudit/internal-controls/ Lapsley, I. 2012, Commentary: Financial Accountability & Management, Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 291-292. Manoharan, T.N. 2011, Financial Statement Fraud and Corporate Governance,   The George Washington University. Schaeffer,M 2006, Internal control breakdown study, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.aicpastore.com/Content/media/PRODUCER_CONTENT/Newsletters/Articles_2009/CorpFin/IntControls_Breakdown.jsp Getting academic assistance from

Managing in Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Managing in Organizations - Essay Example In such context, Yukl (2009) defined management as the systematic combination of control, system and procedures. Yukl (2009) argued that leadership is the combination of intuition, creativity, agility, optimism and adaptive mentality. Ironically, it is believed that excellent managers are capable of correcting a flawed procedure and making it perfect whereas excellent leaders are capable of performing correct actions to achieve the goal. Careful analysis of the research work of modern management scholars reveals the fact that over managing is a key characteristic of failing organizations because managers of these organizations manage unethical or flawed procedure in efficient manner in order to climb the wrong wall. For example, corporate & financial scandal of Nortel, Enron, Lehman Brothers etc are example of wrongly managed organizational procedures. Any discussion about management and leadership is incomplete without shedding light on role of motivation among organizational member s to improve overall organizational productivity. Rurchgott and Furchgott (1999) defined motivation as the combination matrix of values, actions and attitude which can help an individual to perform in goal directed manner in order to achieve specific objective. Maslow (1943 and 1954) identified five types of human needs such as safety need, psychological need, satisfaction of the ego, social need and self-actualization which are required to be fulfilled in order to motivate an individual. It is evident from the argument of various research scholars that organizational leadership is a multidimensional context; therefore, it is difficult to understand the concept without establishing a standardized viewpoint. To understand the concept of organizational leadership in better manner, the researcher has decided to analyze and evaluate the growth of organizational â€Å"Leadership† over the course of time. Analyzing the leadership and role of organizational motivation by using vario us management theories will also be a key purpose of this essay. The researcher has previously worked in Ministry of Regional Municipality & Water Resources (MRMWR) hence MRMWR has been selected as sample organization in this paper. Throughout the essay, the researcher will evaluate how MRMWR uses leadership concept and motivational techniques in order to manage its employees. The researcher will also try to shed light on how the relationship between leadership and motivation works in synergistic manner to improve productivity and performance in MRMWR. Ministry of Regional Municipality & Water Resources Background Ministry of Regional Municipality & Water Resources (2013) has stated its functional responsibilities as guided by â€Å"Royal Decree No. 55/2006† and functional responsibility of MRMWR can be briefed in the following manner; 1. Formulating policies or process plan and designing programs

Hindu Tradition + Christian Thought + Greek Philosophy Research Paper

Hindu Tradition + Christian Thought + Greek Philosophy - Research Paper Example Under Saivism, Shiva is considered to be the supreme God, with his two forms being the lingam and the human form. Among the variants of the Human form, the most important is the dancing posture called Nataraja and also Dakshinamoorthy, the instructor of four sages. Vaishnavism on the other hand has its roots in Northeren India where the Aryans were mostly concentrated. It became renown in the 3rd century AD. Vaishnavites believe that Vishnu is the supreme power, and that god is personal and the ultimate goal of life is to be the servant of god, through faith or Bhakti. Modern Vaishnavites also believe that Vishnu takes many incarnations every eon ( Bhandarkar, 48,62, 160,165) Temples Along with the differences in sects and cultures between north and south India, considerable difference in the style of architecture has also been noticed. The most prominent parts by which they can be differentiated are their superstructures, and also the plan, vertical structure, statues and motifs. Th e major part of northern India, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Bengal region has temples in the northern style; whereas the southern style was concentrated to the more southerly interiors had a consistent style. Mixture of the two occurs towards the central parts of India (Temple Styles, 86). The temples of India were classified as according to their typological features and were divided into Nagara, Dravida and Vesara styles, mainly signifying square, octagonal or apsidal ended shapes and these dictate the other structural parts of the temple. The Nagara style was common in Northern India, whereas the Dravida style was famous in southern India. Building of a temple in India in those times were mainly the religious beliefs of the kings who ascended the throne. So most of the temples were known according to the king under whom they were built. Various styles have been exported to places all over the world, including Texas (Temple Styles, 88). Around thirty four Hindu temp les exist in Texas, with about fifteen in Houston and Dallas. Various types of temples have emerged in the United States, such as the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Houston, which is an example of a temple dedicated to one particular deity, Goddess Meenakshi, but in keeping with the tradition of unity in diversity, with so many sects in the Hindu culture, the worship of Shiva is also done here, in the form of Lord Shri Sundareswara. Vaishnava traditions are also celebrated as the temple is also dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, another form of Vishnu. Thus this temple does not concentrate on any one sect but provides a multiple option of pursuing ones faith (Brady, 87; Laderman and Leon, 102). Majority of these temples were built according to the Vastu Shastra of the Vedic period, with modern adaptations. These new temples have spacious halls, and used for weddings and other cultural occasions. In most temples there is one main deity, but the deities of the other sects and customs are also recognized. This is because of lack of space in foreign land, but it also helps to foster good relations between the various sects present there (Badlani, 329-330). For a decision, as to which deity to be made the main one in a temple, becomes a much debated topic. Various devotees lobby for the different sects, and sometimes a temple that is supposed to bring in peace and harmony becomes a cause of division. Reaching a consensus is very difficult due to large number

ENERGY WEDGES Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

ENERGY WEDGES - Lab Report Example Lastly shifting to bio fuels seems as an easy way of reducing carbon emission The world yearns to reduce carbon emission especially after Kyoto protocol and Copen Hagan reports were released. Environmentalists and human rights activists are putting pressure on countries that are producing high carbon energy on the environment to reduce or pay heavy fines with the aim of reducing carbon emission for sustainable development. Our energy wedge is based on conservation of green resources and use of renewable sources of energy as a means of conservation. Nuclear wedges comes in second as a means of preventing of cutting carbon emission by half by the year 2055. Nuclear energy is capable of producing a lot of energy but is not widely used since it possesses high risks to the environment. The above two wedges are good ways of producing energy without production of carbon. (Wardlaw, 2009). A growth rate of 5.3% annually is projected in production of low carbon environmental goods and services (Nesta, 2009). There has also been tremendous increase in green jobs from 13 70 billion dollars from now to 2740 billion dollars by 2020, which is projected as a growth rate of 5.5% annually (Office, 2009). Due to the involvement of new technology while shifting from fossil energy sources to renewable sources of energy, it is expected that job creation will rise from 24% annually to 42% by 2020 (UNEP, 2007). The demand for low carbon activities is exceptionally high. The next wedge of conservation is efficiently producing electricity. Use of coal as a source of energy leads to production of about a fifth of worlds carbon. Conserving forests ensures that trees absorb carbon emitted and use it as a source of food production. Soil is also another form in which carbon products can be stored. This can be supported by planting cover crops and preventing soil erosion. Use of biofuels is believed to be cost

Comparison of 3-Dimensional Radiotherapy with IMRT for nasopharyngeal Dissertation

Comparison of 3-Dimensional Radiotherapy with IMRT for nasopharyngeal cancer - Dissertation Example The treatment modality therefore, revolves around successful and complete removal of the tumour mass without damage to the vital organs around the tumour (Tham and Lu, 2010). Most of the critical analysis presented in this research is based on findings that have been carried out on patients of Eastern Asian origin. This is because nasopharyngeal carcinomas are prevalent in this population group. On the same note, some of the most significant research results and tabulations have been obtained from studies carried out in these geographical areas. One of the most significant facts about NPC is that these are diagnosed in later stages of cancer (Afqir, Ismaili and Errihani, 2009, pp 3). The close proximity of different regions leads to many problems after treatment is carried out. Adverse effects to the pituatory, thyroid and hypothalamic glands are commonly seen post treatment (Stevens et al, 1998). Soft tissue fibrosis leading to trismus and necrosis of the eye structures is also comm only seen (Stevens et al, 1998). Surgical treatment options are somewhat reserved due to the complex location of the tumour. Studies researching the efficacy of surgical treatment have shown higher tissue destruction, and increased chances in recurrence and metastasis, which are reflected in high mortality rates, with five year survival rates falling in the range of 33-57% only (Leu and Lee, 2009, pp 103). A similar study assessed the effects of salvage surgery on patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiation therapy. The study selected 38 patients with recurrence in NPC who underwent surgery (Chang et al, 2004, pp 499). The results showed a 3 year survival rate and local control rate of 69 and 72.8% respectively. Local control rates at the intracranial and skull base levels were 83.3%, and the overall morbidity rates were below 14% (Chang et al, 2004, pp 500). Morbidity rates with radiotherapy treatment alone fall between 40 To 50%, whereas combined radio and che motherapy provide survival rates of 55 to 80% respectively (Paulino and Louis, 2010). However, this study has very limited number of participants, making it difficult to state that the results are significant. However, when viewed in comparison to many other studies on the efficacy of combined radiotherapy, the results bear some significance. Another important consideration is that surgery can still become an option in cancers which are of larger size, in order to help reduce the severity and duration of the chemoradiation therapy. Very large cancers can be removed with the help of fine surgical instruments, after which pockets of tumour can be removed through radiation and chemotherapy. Surgical treatments however, have been largely replaced by the newer and more sophisticated technology of irradiation. However, chemotherapy is another major contender for treatments of NPC. Many drugs have been introduced, but so far, trials and researches have gathered evidence for cisplatin and 5 -florucil respectively. Trials of use of cisplatin combined with radiotherapy for NPC have shown an overall survival rate of 76% at two to three years, which is comparatively better than therapy from any one of the methods alone. Another trial on 130 patients showed a 46% rate of survival with combined chemotherapy compared to 25% of it when treatment was done with radiation alone at five years (Siewert, Salama and Vokes, 2006, pp 168 and 169). Other drugs that are being used or considered for combined

Poster proposal presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Poster proposal presentation - Essay Example Application programs also fall in this category and a good example is the payroll check processor. An ecommerce database is a method of storage and presentation of large amounts of information which is then used by an ecommerce or by an online payment system. Ecommerce makes it possible for consumers to remotely from the internet make purchases or process relevant financial transactions. A secure database is needed by the company hosting the ecommerce process to store such valuable and sensitive information such as credit card information and product inventory. When making a decision on the best choice for an ecommerce solution, it is important to take careful consideration to ensure it is helpful in its untended purpose. It is important to consider if the database provides a secure environment when deciding on which ecommerce database to use so as to protect sensitive information such as personal, financial, and project information. It is very important to make the database application user friendly and easy to use as well as being flexible and adaptable to change. This is so that where need be, modifications or improvements can be made in the future. Customer information in a data base is stored in one file and the sales information is then stored in another separate file. each customers information is entered only once and then each customer is assigned a number unique to them. This makes it possible for the sales records to be entered using only the customer number to refer back to their specific customer file. This mode of database use helps to saves data entry time and also storage space. It also helps by making it easier and faster to retrieve information. Another advantage is that it makes it possible to get quick answers to important queries concerning your sales. For instance you can then be able to find out which product you sold the most in a very fast manner since all the system has to do is read the sales information. Most

Innovation and Sustainability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Innovation and Sustainability - Essay Example Therefore, this paper will explore two consumption and two production habits of humans that are related to the material resources. In addition, it will give recommendations on sustainable ways of producing and consuming these resources for the purpose of the present and future generation. Population growth continuously affects consumption of materials and environmental resources. With exponential growth, population density increases in a region. The number of population per 1000 population highly determines the amount of consumption of goods that come from the environment. Agricultural production of goods has to be increased with any increase in birth rates in a population. Going by the current trend, every household and in some cases every individual who can attain a driving license has a car especially in the US, which means more fuel consumption, hence, more exploitation of crude oil (Segger, 2011). Technology has contributed a lot to consumption of most goods. It is with technology that humans are able to consume coal out of a coal mine. Fuels that produce green house gases come as a result of the power of machines in exploitation and cutting down of trees which are a great source of carbon sink. All this is done just to satisfy human needs of consumption. For example, trees are cut down for building purposes and for fuel, while exploitation of fuels like petrol and diesel from crude oil is mainly for the current increase of vehicles on the road (Segger, 2011). Advancement of industrial revolution has immensely encouraged high production rate of consumer goods. With advanced technology, more agricultural goods can be produced due to the presence of technologies that can be used like those used to manufacture chemical fertilizers for the unfertile soils. Thus, more agricultural goods are being produced currently, despite the health impacts that some of the production methods like GMO have on human health (Segger,

Physical Education in School Essay Example for Free

Physical Education in School Essay In the last ten years, our culture has changes dramatically. Our nation was once a physically active nation, yet now it seems that society discourages physical activity. Everyone knows that physical fitness is important to his or her health. Physical education helps students improve their knowledge about health issues and practices that will lead to a more enjoyable life. Some schools do not require students to participate in physical education classes, but it is important for young kids to stay physically active. The rise of obesity in young children has become a growing concern in America. Physical education should be required every year for all public school students. Some students are physically unable to participate in physical education. I agree that if a student has a note from their doctor that it is fine for them not to participate. All the others should be required to participate though. Their involvement in physical education teaches them about lifelong fitness. While I attended grade school, physical education helped play a valuable role in my life. I became involved in several different sports because of participation in physical education classes. During school we played football games during physical education. In addition, we learned some of the basics of baseball and softball. I played football and baseball for years because of my involvement in physical education classes. After graduation, I still kept the same habits from grade school, by continuing to stay physically active. I participate in softball tournaments occasionally to keep myself in shape. In addition, I try to lift weights four or five days a week. Read more:Â  Physical Education Essay Students who do not participate in physical education more than likely will not be physically active as adults. By not teaching children about physical education, it almost certainly adds to the problem. Some students do not want to participate in physical education because they are worried about sustaining injuries. Their argument is children participating in physical activity are at a higher risk of injury than those who are in academic classes. By not being physically active, a student is at greater risk for sustaining an injury. It is important to stretch and warm up before starting any work out. Students learn this from their participation in physical education class. Stretching helps in developing overall flexibility, particularly in the spine, shoulder, and hip areas. The kind of stretching depends on the type of activity a person plans to engage in. For instance, if one is about to play sports, the recommended kind of stretching would be the ones that mimics the movements of the activity the student engages in. Warming up also helps to avoid injury. To warm up start at a gentle pace, and then slowly increase the pace until the heart rate increases and the body temperature rises. Warming up also helps to loosen up muscles and jump-starts the fluids in the joints. If a student is not required to participate in gym class, they may not be aware of warming up to prevent them from sustaining injuries if they decide to start a workout regimen or any kind of physical activity. Obesity is becoming a concern among young kids now. The Southeast now has a new name. Instead of the Sun Belt, some call the Southeast the diabetes belt. Almost every time I turn on the news there is a story about the rising epidemic of obesity. With teenage obesity as prevalent as it is, it is imperative that physical education classes be mandatory at all grade levels nationwide. The amount of obese youth has steadily risen in the last twenty years. It is an obvious fact that physical education classes, when made mandatory, would help improve the physical health of the youth across America. It is important for the student to learn how to keep ones self in proper physical condition. In addition, by making physical education mandatory for all schools nationwide it will help make the students realize how important it is to stay physically active. Obesity also leads to hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, asthma, and many other serious problems. Physical education classes can help to reduce the chances for those problems, but there are other steps to take. Exercise is important, but diet is also a major factor in health. Eating healthy foods and exercising will make students be much healthier. In conclusion, all schools should make it mandatory for students to have physical education classes every year. Our society is becoming unhealthier every year because of students lack of exercise. They need to be educated in physical fitness. They can achieve this by participating in physical education classes, learning how to warm up, stretch, and exercise. Obesity is growing in our population every year. Everyone should participate in physical education classes to learn about, and prevent obesity. If we continue with the lack of physical education in schools, we will continue to contribute to the poor health of students.