Social Problems Awareness

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Social Problem Awareness

Introduction

If a person feels strongly about a certain cause and works towards attaining a change regarding that cause, that person can be known as an Activist. Now, if the cause is related to any social issue and intentional actions are done to bring about social change then it is called social activism. For the purpose of this paper a social activist group by the name of Foundation for Education and Accountability has been chosen for research.

Foundation for Education and Accountability

This social activist organization is research based not for profit think tank. It is based in New York and works towards improving education in the state. FERA’s research is generally focused on the different public policy issues and how they affect education. They then forward this research to public officials and all the other stakeholders involved. Its research includes areas such as choice, accountability and innovation. New York’s education system has been greatly influenced by the work of this reputable institution since its inception in 1992. The Vice President of FERA is Brian Backstrom, while President of FERA is Thomas Carroll and Director of Research and Communications is Jason Brooks ("Foundation for Education Reform and Accountability").

Social Problem Combatted by FERA

FERA core focus is on betterment of education in New York. This is done by advocating for accountability, promoting innovative education and embracing school choice in education. All these three are very important in determining the future and the quality of education provided to students. FERA advocates for accountability in awarding of tenure to teachers, minimizing of wasteful and ineffective spending. FERA works towards acceptance of new innovative methods for education and availability of high quality education to all the families in New York as it’s their right as a citizen. There should be no bias towards anyone on the basis of their race, creed or economic situation on the context of education.

Solution to the Problems

FERA works hard at solving the issues affecting education through its three pronged approach of advocating for accountability, promoting innovative education and embracing social choice. FERA monitors compliance of No Child Left Behind Laws, while also advocating for greater mayoral control over public schools and extensive search on student performance before extending tenure of public school teachers. FERA has provided schools research regarding alternative teaching methods and certification, school over the whole year, teaching based on subjects. FERA has worked hard and is a staunch supporter of expanding educational choices for children of New York. FERA’s research on the different schooling system in New York has shown that nonunion charter schools are better performance versus their union dominated counterparts.

Resources Available to FERA\

FERA has a considerable amount of backing behind it. Its resources include a vast network of friendly organizations that it works with in unison to complete its objectives. Their friends include New York Education Reform Research and Advocacy, National Education Reform Research and Advocacy, Education news, New York K-12 Scholarship Organizations. It has an impressive internship program that offers it applicants a growing and nurturing environment and asks of its applicants to be able to handle the fast pace working environment and be able to multi task. As it’s a not for profit and independent organization, it is financially supported by generous donors who make a tax-deductible donation to FERA.

Organization size

FERA is not a very large organization, as it does not have any divisions in any other states of USA or has no international offices. It is majorly a regional entity with its main focus on New York and betterment of its education. Its President is Brian Backstrom and Vice president is Jason Brooks, while it has 6 members in its board of trustees with names such as Bruce Bent, Richard Gilder, Bruce Kovner, Virginia James, Omar Wasow and Robert Wilson.

Conclusion

FERA is a social activist organization that fights for the issues affecting education by advocating for accountability, innovation in education and embracing of school choice.

Work Cited

"Foundation for Education Reform and Accountability". Publications | Foundation for Education Reform and Accountability, 2019, http://www.nyfera.org/.