Gender in science

Introduction Gender issues relating to a balanced representation of men and women in governance, scientific research, and other socio-economic and political spheres of the human life are common in virtually all societies.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Gender in science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Even though experience indicates that gender equity is essential to meaningful and sustainable development, gender imbalance in various critical sectors is still a thorny issue in many societies including certain sections of the so-called mature democracies. Gender imbalance in science is particularly a serious issue even when it has been conventionally accepted that, what a man can do, a woman can do better, especially in academics. This essay argues that science would be more objective if gender were visible. Importance of gender balance in science Conventionally, gender equity is essential in attaining poverty alleviation and socio-economic development. This development is usually an outcome of the combined efforts of men and women. Women play the vital and crucial role in society through their contribution to fruitful activities and responsibility of social educators and family custodians. Similarly, gender equity in science and technology is crucial for societal development (Miroux 2011, p.2). Unfortunately, there are cultural practices in different countries, especially in Africa and other developing countries, which discourage girls from pursuing science in universities or schools, and from choosing a scientific career (Willingham Cole 1997, p.96). However, gender equity in science matters a lot because it ensures that human rights and justice, for both men and women, is upheld (Willingham Cole 1997, p.96). This understanding is necessary because all people should have equal opportunity to a science education and scientific career. In other words, men and women should benefit equall y from progress in science technology (Willingham Cole 1997, p.96). Second, if one gender, especially women, is denied an equal opportunity to pursue science and engineering, then a society robs itself of an opportunity to realize its full balance of scientifically creative minds (Willingham Cole 1997, p.96; Oldham 2006, Para. 6).Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In turn, this becomes a serious stumbling block to development of science and to the creation of wealth in a world that is extremely competitive. The resultant poverty dehumanizes women and children mostly. Third, gender equity in science and technology is vital because, naturally, women perform different duties and roles, both within and outside, home environments (Willingham Cole 1997, p.96; 2006, Para 6). As such, it is pertinent for both men and women to integrate scientific and technical education that reflect the performance of their different, but crucial roles and tasks. Fourth, it has been established that women bring different approaches, ideals, incentives, and techniques of work to their scientific jobs that men can not (Willingham Cole 1997, p.96; 2006, Para 6). Therefore, including as many women as men in science will enhance the complete pool of abilities, approaches, and inspirations. This will also raise the probability that science will provide for the needs of the greatest majority in the society. Objectivity of Science Even though the question whether science is objective or not is a serious debate, many scientists claim that they believe in objective truth. Ashman and Barringer (2001, p.82), argue that, the objectivity of science cannot be achieved if scientists do not continuously seek to reveal cognitive biases like those brought about by cognitive errors connected to gender, race, and sex. Therefore, objectivity of science should be open to a perpetual and well-purposed a nalysis. Such objectivity is a characterization of the scientific processes, and not a finished product (Ashman and Barringer 2001, p.82). These processes should be continuously challenged by scientists themselves and non-scientist critics. Ashman and Barringer (2001, p.82) assert that, science can only be more objective if it appreciates criticisms of its theories, or if experts, in a given branch of science, are less gender biased than other scientists in another branch. Ashman and Barringer (2001, p.82) hold that, only open, just, and social practice of science can make it more objective. For purposes of ensuring that science is more objective with regard to its gender biases, it should continuously confront those biases by bringing on board scientists from gender minorities (Wyer 2008, p.82).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Gender in science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, each society should ens ure gender equity in science and technology education in its learning institutions including schools and universities. It should ensure that impediments to women in scientific and technological careers are removed. The science and technology decision-making process should be made more gender sensitive (Miroux 2011, p.2). Governments and other stakeholders should promote and leverage science and technology to enhance women’s development (Miroux 2011, p.2). All societies should uphold gender equality in science, technology, and engineering education, personnel, and leadership (Miroux 2011, p.2). Furthermore, the position of women in scientific organizations at the national and local levels should be promoted and backed (Miroux 2011, p.3). Conclusion In a recap, it cannot be disputed that women play a vital role in all leading spheres that directly affect individual and societal wellbeing including agriculture and food production, water and sanitation, energy, and preservation o f biodiversity. Therefore, devising gender-sensitive policies that encourage and support women’s studying of science, technology, and engineering careers is the best and the only way of ensuring objectivity of science. At the elementary and secondary levels of learning, girls, just like boys, should be motivated to be positive towards science disciplines. References Ashman, K. M., Baringer, P., 2001. After the science wars. New York, NY: Routledge. Miroux, A., 2011. Mainstreaming a gender perspective in science, technology and innovation policy. [Online] Available at: https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/csw55/panels/Panel1-Miroux-Anne.pdf .Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Oldham, G., 2006. Gender Equity in Science and Technology: Does it Matter? Web. Web. Willingham, W., Cole, N. S.1997. Gender and fair assessment. New York, NY: Routledge. Wyer, M., 2008. Women, science, and technology: a reader in feminist science studies. New York, NY: Taylor Francis. This essay on Gender in science was written and submitted by user Wyatt Gibson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

A Guide to Understanding Homeschool Laws

A Guide to Understanding Homeschool Laws Homeschooling has been legal in all 50 U.S. states since 1993. According to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, home education was illegal in most states as recently as the early 1980’s. By 1989, only three states, Michigan, North Dakota, and Iowa, still considered homeschooling a crime. Interestingly, of those three states, two of them, Michigan and Iowa, are today listed among the states with the least restrictive homeschooling laws. Although homeschooling is now legal across the United States, each state is responsible for drafting its own homeschool laws, which means that what must be done to legally homeschool varies depending on where a family lives. Some states are highly regulated, while others place few restrictions on homeschooling families. Homeschool Legal Defense Association maintains an up-to-date database on the homeschooling laws in all fifty states. Terms to Know When Considering Homeschool Laws To those who are new to homeschooling, the terminology used in homeschool  laws may be unfamiliar. Some of the basic terms you need to know include: Compulsory attendance: This refers to the ages children are required to be in some type of school setting. In most states that define a compulsory attendance age for homeschoolers, the minimum is usually between the ages of 5 and 7. The maximum is generally between the ages of 16 and 18. Declaration (or Notice) of Intent: Many states require that homeschooling families submit an annual notice of intent to homeschool to either the state or county school superintendent. The content of this notice can vary by state, but usually includes the names and ages of the homeschooled children, the home address, and the parent’s signature. Hours of instruction: Most states specify the number of hours and/or days per year during which children should be receiving instruction. Some, like Ohio, state 900 hours of instruction per year. Others, such as Georgia, specify four and one-half hours per day for 180 days each school year. Portfolio:  Some states offer a portfolio option in place of standardized testing or professional evaluation. A portfolio is a collection of documents outlining your student’s progress each school year. It may include records such as attendance, grades, courses completed, work samples, photos of projects, and test scores. Scope and sequence: A scope and sequence is a list of topics and concepts that a student will learn throughout the school year. These concepts are usually broken down by subject and grade level. Standardized test:  Many states require that homeschool students take nationally standardized tests at regular intervals. The tests that meet each state’s requirements may vary. Umbrella schools/cover schools: Some states give the option for homeschooled students to enroll in an umbrella or cover school. This may be an actual private school or simply an organization established to help homeschooling families comply with the laws  in their state. Students are taught at home by their parents, but the cover school maintains records for their enrolled students. The records required by cover schools vary based on the laws of the state in which they are located. These documents are submitted by parents and may include attendance, test scores, and grades. Some umbrella schools help parents choose curriculum and offer transcripts, diplomas, and graduation ceremonies. States with the Most Restrictive Homeschool Laws States that are generally considered to be highly regulated for homeschooling families include: MassachusettsNew YorkPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermont Often regarded as one of the most regulated states,  New York’s homeschooling laws require that parents turn in an annual instruction plan for each student. This plan must include information such as the name, age, and grade level of the student; the curriculum or textbooks you intend to use; and the name of the teaching parent. The state requires annual standardized testing in which students should be at or above the 33rd percentile or show a full grade level improvement from the previous year.  New York also lists specific subjects that parents must teach their children at various grade levels. Pennsylvania, another highly-regulated state,  offers three options for homeschooling. Under the homeschool statute, all parents must submit a notarized affidavit to homeschool. This form includes information about immunizations and medical records, along with criminal background checks. Homeschooling parent Malena H., who lives in Pennsylvania, says that although the state is â€Å"†¦considered one of the states with the highest regulations†¦it really isnt that bad. It sounds overwhelming when you hear about all the requirements, but once you have done it once it is pretty easy.† She says, â€Å"In third, fifth and eighth grades the student has to take a standardized test. There is a variety to choose from, and they can even do some of them at home or online. You must keep a portfolio for each child that has a few samples for each subject taught and the results of the standardized test if the child is in one of the testing years. At the end of the year, you find an evaluator to review the portfolio and sign off on it. You then send the evaluator’s report to the school district.† States with Moderately Restrictive Homeschool Laws While most states require that the teaching parent have at least a high school diploma or GED, some, such as North Dakota,  require that the teaching parent have a teaching degree or be monitored for at least two years by a certified teacher. That fact puts North Dakota  on the list of those  considered to be moderately restrictive with regards to their homeschool laws. Those states include: ColoradoFloridaHawaiiLouisianaMaineMarylandMinnesotaNew HampshireNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOregonSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeVirginiaWashingtonWest Virginia North Carolina is often considered a difficult state in which to homeschool. It requires maintaining attendance and immunization records for each child. North Carolina also requires that children complete nationally standardized tests each year. Other moderately regulated states that require yearly standardized testing include  Maine, Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. (Some of these states do offer alternative homeschooling options that may not require annual testing.) Many states offer more than one option to legally homeschool. Tennessee, for example, currently has five options, including three umbrella schools options and one for distance learning (online classes). Heather S., a homeschooling parent from Ohio, says that Ohio homeschoolers must  submit an annual letter of intent and a  summary of their intended curriculum, and  agree to complete 900 hours  of education each year. Then, at  the end of each year, families â€Å"†¦.can do state-approved testing or have a portfolio reviewed and submit the results... Children must test above the 25th percentile on standardized tests or show progression in their portfolio. Virginia homeschooling mom, Joesette, considers her state homeschooling laws reasonably easy to follow. She says parents must â€Å"†¦file a Notice of Intent each year by August 15, then supply something to show progress at the end of the year (by August 1). This can be a standardized test, scoring at least in the 4th stanine, a  [student] portfolio†¦.or an evaluation letter by an approved evaluator.† Alternately, Virginia parents can file a  Religious Exemption. States with Minimally Restrictive Homeschool Laws Sixteen U.S.  states are considered minimally restrictive. These include:   AlabamaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaDelawareGeorgiaKansasKentuckyMississippiMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew MexicoUtahWisconsinWyoming Georgia requires an annual Declaration of Intent to be filed by September 1, annually, or within 30 days of the date you initially begin homeschooling. Children must take a nationally standardized test every three years starting in 3rd grade. Parents are required to write an annual progress report for each student. Both the test  scores and progress reports  are to be kept on file but are not required to be submitted to anyone. Although Nevada is on the minimally restrictive list, Magdalena A., who homeschools her children in the state says that it is, â€Å"†¦homeschooling paradise. The law states only  one regulation: when a child turns seven...a notice of intent to homeschool should be filed. That is it, for the rest of that childs life. No portfolios. No check-ups. No testing.† California homeschooling mom, Amelia H. outlines her state’s homeschooling options. â€Å"(1) Home study option through the  school district. Material is provided and weekly or monthly check-ins are required. Some districts provide classes for home study kids and/or allow kids to take some classes on campus. (2) Charter schools. Each one is set up differently but they all cater to homeschoolers and provide funding for secular curriculum and extracurricular activities through vendor programs†¦Some require that kids meet state standards; others simply ask for signs of ‘value-added growth. Most require state testing but a handful will allow parents to generate a portfolio as a year-end assessment. (3) File as an independent school. [Parents must]  state the curriculum goals at the start of the school year†¦Getting a high school diploma through this route is tricky and many parents choose to pay someone to help with the paperwork. States with the Least Restrictive Homeschool Laws Finally,  eleven states are considered very homeschool-friendly with few restrictions on homeschooling families. These states are: AlaskaConnecticutIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaMichiganMissouriNew JerseyOklahomaTexas Texas is notoriously homeschool-friendly with a strong homeschool voice at the legislative level. Iowa homeschooling parent, Nichole D. says that her home state is just as easy. â€Å"[In Iowa], we have no regulations. No state testing, no lesson plans submitted, no attendance records, nothing. We dont even have to inform the district that were homeschooling.† Parent Bethany W.  says, â€Å"Missouri is very homeschool-friendly. No notifying districts or anyone unless your child has previously been public schooled, no testing or evaluations ever. Parents keep a log of hours (1,000 hours, 180 days), a written report of progress, and a few samples of [their students’] work.† With a few exceptions, the difficulty or ease of complying with each state’s homeschooling laws is subjective. Even in states that are considered highly regulated, homeschooling parents often state that compliance isn’t as difficult as it may appear on paper. Whether you consider your state’s homeschooling laws restrictive or lenient, it is essential to make sure you understand what is required of you to remain compliant. This article should be considered a guideline only. For specific, detailed laws for your state, please check your statewide homeschool support group’s website or Homeschool Legal Defense Association.