Journal Article Review - Phonemic Awareness Essay

Journal Article Review - Phonemic Awareness - Essay Example Performance of other abilities such as sound-based tasks and other related activities can be performed. Although this is the case there are differences in the performance of children with CI and those with normal hearing capabilities. In terms of the phonological awareness (PA) for children with CI, learning phase that is protracted and long can be observed. Controlled tasks and revealed no significant difference from the normal children (Spencer and Tomblin, 2008). Based on the objective of the study that is to present a comparative analysis in the different hearings properties such as phonological awareness in relation to CI use, it can be perceived that the research conducted was able to achieve such goal. The exercises and tests that had been undertaken can be considered simple yet were able to clearly present the needed data. Variation in the use of tasks to test the hypotheses can also be observed in the research undertaken. These characteristics of the results are important in the characterization of the success of the study. It can be perceived that the methodology had been able to cover the possible points that are needed to be included in the area under study. Aside from the methodology undertaken, the presentation of the data and the analysis of the results had been presented in a commendable manner. Important characteristics of the organization of data are simple, clear and can easily be analyzed and understood. The presentation and development of the paper can also be considered important. For the said paper, the ideas and concepts had been developed and presented clearly and segregated properly for better understanding. The presentation of pertinent data related to phonological awareness is also essential. Included in the tasks under study are rhyming tasks, blending words task and Elision task which are determinants of the capabilities of the CI children in relation to learning how to read (Spencer and Tomblin, 2008). These

Managing Organizational Change Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing Organizational Change - Term Paper Example Through this report the necessity of a change in organization will be uncovered. Along with it the forces which are responsible for the change will be also identified. Once the requirement of a change is identified the most important task is to implement it successfully. Change is a continuous process and involves several stages. A successful change passes through a number of sequential stages. In simple words, change is defined as the way of making things different. In the context of an organization, change is considered as inevitable. Nowadays, organizations operate in a dynamic business environment and to get adapted with the situation they are forced to implement changes in their system (El-Farra & Badawi, 2012, p.161). The major forces of change in an organization are mainly technological factor, political factor, economical factor, legal factor, social factor, and most importantly the labor market environment (Lewis, 2011, p.5). According to Barney & Griffin (1992), the primary rationale behind the poor performance and reduced productivity of an organization is the failure of the managers to properly identify required change. Therefore to some extent change within organizations is necessary otherwise the organizations may find it difficult to survive in the marketplace. Throughout the world organizations have to deal with certain internal resistance which prohibits the implementation of change. Therefore managing the change or properly implementing the change within the organization is of utmost importance. This report will highlight the rationale behind the organizational change. Apart from that the forces which are responsible for making the changes will also be highlighted. In addition, the project will also shed light on the type of changes, the resistances to changes and how the change can be properly managed and sustained. Finally, based on the findings from the study a conclusion will be drawn. Rationales behind Organizational Change Change is important for any organization as without any change, businesses are likely to lose the competitive edge and eventually fail to meet the needs of the customers. The principal rationale of an organization to embrace change in their current state is mainly the customer needs, economical impact, and growt h opportunities among others. Economical Impact: - Economy can impact an organization, both in a positive and negative way. Increasing demand and a strong economy indicates that the company needs to expand thereby facilitating a change in the organization. Customer Needs: - Companies need to change their strategies in order to meet the multi dimensional need of the customers. Opportunities of Growth: - One of the most significant rationales behind implementing change in organizations is the opportunity of growth. Employees are able to learn new skills, and can explore opportunities in order to exercise their creativity. This in turn helps organizations to increase their productivity (Hagel, 2002, p.18). Forces of Organizational Change Organizations change due to a number of forces operating in its environment. The forces are both internal as well as external to the organization. Any change in these factors

Patient Safety and Quality Essay Example for Free

Patient Safety and Quality Essay The nurse involved with the caring for this family needs to be open to facts of the situation at hand by realizing that it is going to be a period of stress on Susie. At the same time, the goal is to make sure that Susie prioritizes her daily activities which will involve all three of caring for her children, taking in the additional demands of assisting her mother and promoting her health, and of course making sure her career is also focused on. As it is, Susie is overwhelmed and the nurse will need to help the family overcome any additional stress points as well as the specific illness related to her mother and so the nurse will prioritize as well. Since Susie seems to manage the household, the nurse will need to make her the key point of contact with the steps involved with making sure the family stays healthy during this period of additional anxiety. As it has happened now with her mother coming in to the family, she will need to adapt to a new lifestyle that has new demands of caretaking as described in the family structural theory. Family structural theory is a theory where a family is an open and social cultural system, which reacts and adapts to the demands placed (Grand Canyon University). This theory would be best applied by the nurse recognizing the rules and roles the family currently has and how they will need to change to encourage health promotion. Developmental stages give opportunities to family members to realize their potential (Edelman Mandle, 2010). With the children also being a priority to take care, Stage four of the Family Developmental Theory will be applied. Perhaps the nurse will need to better understand through Susie what the latter’s keys to success have been from Stage 1-3 to better help take care of the kids through this. Through these types of conversations, the nurse can help promote health throughout their family by better understanding how the cope with particular situations and helping apply new methods of care. Health promotion can best be accomplished when the nurse focuses on Susie first and then the rest of the family so that Susie can also take care of the family. Health education includes all family members, with learning activities according to each individual. General teaching goal will be same but the approaches and specific goals will be different for each family member. A nurse will have to provide different teaching to each family member. To promote health for Mrs. Jones, nurse can make a plan explaining how Mrs. Jones need to function at her highest level of capacity physically, psychologically, culturally, and spiritually. To promote Susie’s health, nurse will have to educate her on social roles, financial and occupational responsibilities, and reassessing life goals. School aged children health can be promoted by educating on staying away from harmful and unsafe environments such as drug and alcohol abuse. Also, allowing school aged children participate in family conversations and allowing them to speak increases their self-esteem which can be beneficial to Susie to decrease stress. References Edelman, C., Mandle, C. L. (2010). Health promotion throughout the life span (7th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. â€Å"The Form and Function of The Family.† (2011). Grand Canyon Universtiy, Phoenix, AZ.

Deviant Behavior Essay -- Sociology Sociological Psychology Essays

Deviant Behavior Deviant behavior refers to behavior that does not conform to norms, does not meet the expectations of a group of a society as a whole. After birth, children begin to experience situations with others. They are taught what he or she should and should not do, what is good or bad and what is right or wrong. Learning habits that conform to the customs and traditions of the groups into which the child is born develops a system of values. These values provide justification and motivation or for wanting to refrain from behavior that is disapproved. After reading this, one can see how a behavior is considered deviant, but the question is, â€Å"Why is a certain type of behavior considered deviant?† This paper will take a particular deviant behavior, which is illicit drug use, and examine why this type of behavior is labeled as deviant. By using theoretical approaches, this paper will provide the reader an explanation of why illicit drug use occurs in the first place. Throughout history, all human societies have used drugs, but it hasn’t been until recently considered deviant behavior. Drug use was seen only as a personal problem, but today’s societies, in general, condemns drug use. There are many reasons for this perception of drug use in our society today. It’s stated that â€Å"since a social process creates standards for deviance, consumption of a particular drug becomes deviant only when individuals and groups define it a such† (Clinard and Meier, 2001). This is seen in new laws and legislation against drug use, making drug use, seen by society, as wrong and criminal. This causes public opinion to look at drug use as deviant because the norms of society have been changed. These new laws were passed by legislation because of the common myth that drug use is the cause of bigger problems of society. Society is given the belief that drug users posses certain characteristics which include â€Å"low self-esteem, social incompetence, inadequate identity, easily influenced by peers, and irresponsible or mindless† (Moore and Saunders, 1999). This tells society that only troubled people use drugs. This common belief holds that people using drugs necessarily have personal problems and lack social skills, which then in turn, threatens personal health and morality to societies well being. Also, medically, reference to elicit drug use is considered drug abuse. T... ...s of drug use as very negative because mostly of the formal sanctions powered by the legislature. The media portrays the stereotypes of the type of people who use drugs and this only helps fuel societies approach in dealing with illicit drug use. Society in general needs to refrain from looking at drug use as negative, but look at it as a norm for human beings. Until drug use is seen as a norm, the media and politician will still see that all drug use is a problem, and considered it deviant. Study that would help this issue would be if drug use has any positive benefits that people who abstain from drugs do not receive. Works Cited: 1. Akens, Ronald. 1998. Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance. Boston: Northeastern University Press. 2. Becker, Howard. 1963. Outsiders: Studies in Sociology of Deviance. New York: The Free Press. 3. Clinad, Marshall and Meier. 2001. Sociology of Deviant Behavior. Orlanda: Harcourt College Publishers. 4. Goode, Jack. 1994. A Theory about Control. Boulder: Westview Press. 5. Moore, David and saunders, Bill. 2001. â€Å"Youth Drug Use and the Prevention of Problems.† Journal of Drug Issues 13:219-235.

Relationship Between Transformational And Transactional Leadership Skills Education Essay

This paper will measure the relationship between transformational and transactional leading accomplishments in principals of kindergarten through eight class schools. Seven assorted beginnings incorporating diaries and surveies have been critiqued and delineated. The find from these articles is that principals with transactional and transformational qualities lead efficaciously. The ultimate end of a principal is to make a safe acquisition environment where pupils are able to larn to their highest potency. The focal point of this paper is to research class schools runing from kindergarten through eight classs and to supply the reader with ample qualities of an effectual transformational and transactional leader.Problem StatementRecent surveies suggest that kindergarten through 8th grade pupils in the United States are fighting to run into criterions and are falling behind ( Lucas & A ; Valentine, 2002 ) . Educators and principals must be held accountable. Transformational and transac tional leaders obtain accomplishments that will advance pupil success and teacher answerability. Leaderships that usher pedagogues, equals, parents, and pupils within the transactional and transformational attack will ensue in a positive school environment and pupils will work to their highest potency.Purpose StatementThe intent of this research is to supply principals, or leaders with effectual tools for guiding, making, and taking efficient and successful schools. Principals need to hold a clear, concise appreciation on taking efficaciously. This thesis will supply them with accurate surveies that support transactional and transformational leading.Research Questions and AimsTransformational and transactional leading defined Implementing transformational and transactional leading accomplishments for principals Educators efficaciously learning under the counsel of a transformational and transactional leader Promoting pupil success and accomplishment for principals of kindergarten through 8th class schoolsBodyTransformational and Transactional Leadership Skills DefinedCharisma, inspiration, and efficaciously pass oning with subsidiaries are three qualities of transactional and transformational leaders ( Anderson, 2008 ) . Principals that obtain these features will make a respectful resonance with pedagogues, parents, and pupils ( Hood, Poulson, Mason, Walker, & A ; Dixon, 2009 ; Lucas, & A ; Valentine, 2002 ) . Transformational leaders inspire and create positive on the job environments ( Bono & A ; Judge, 1004 ) . Transactional and transformational leaders encourage squad work and concerted acquisition schemes. Educators that are led under the transformational and transactional attack will be able to portion thoughts with other members of the school community. Educators will be advised to detect other schoolroom scenes and learn signifier other instructors ( Chin, 2007 ) . Principals that lead in this attack will make a positive working and learning environment. Students will be able to larn efficaciously and pedagogues will be encouraged to work with and larn from fellow equals. One recent survey explored the transformational leader and concludes that leaders whom hold subsidiaries accountable and continuously evaluate and review in a positive manor will be successful leaders ( Chin, 2007 ) . This type of answerability can be measured though self ratings ( Pounder, 2008 ) . Transformational and transactional approached to leading must be implemented for a successful school environment ( Lucas & A ; Valentine, 2002 ) . Researchers studied teacher studies and focused on five countries dwelling of shared ends, learning coaction, teacher acquisition, teacher certainty, and teacher committedness. The writers hypothesized school principals whom score high in the identified five factors are effectual transformational leaders associating to student success in schools. They intended for pedagogues to finish a study that evaluates their principal ‘s transformational leading manner. These 18 simple principals and their modules were asked to return the study in order for the writer to decently measure the ratings ( Lucas & A ; Valentine, 2002 ) . With the collected information, the writers discovered that increased transformational leading principals were associated with schools that demonstrated enhanced degrees of societal organisations reflective of effectual schools. The survey besides investigated two research questionnaires. The first was questionnaire was from Bass and the 2nd from Avolio. These questionnaires determined that increased transformational principals are associated with schools that show high degrees of societal organisations and pupil success, corroborating the writers ‘ hypothesis ( Lucas & A ; Valentine, 2002 ) .Educators efficaciously learning under the counsel of a transformational and transactional leaderVariable One: Evaluation and Accountability One of import quality of effectual instruction is that pedagogues are able to self evaluate and self examine their instruction schemes ( Pounder, 2008 ) . Prior to school beginning, instructors will be asked by the transactional principal to self measure one lesson per one-fourth of the approaching school twelvemonth. The lesson program will be submitted to the principal. The pedagogue will observe the pros and cons of their lesson. Self rating will advance the pedagogue ‘s ability to guarantee that effectual lessons and activities are taught and implemented in the schoolroom ( Poulson, Mason, Walker, & A ; Dixon, 2009 ; Lucas, & A ; Valentine, 2002 ) . Principals that lead in the transactional and transformational attack can besides promote pedagogues to measure other equals. Educators can larn from one another, portion thoughts, and hand in glove learn under this type of leading. ( Poulson, Mason, Walker, & A ; Dixon, 2009 ) . This environment will ensue in a positive ambiance for parents, instructors, pupils, and staff members. Similar to self rating and equal rating, the transformational and transactional principal will be able to measure and detect the pedagogue. The principal will run into with the instructor prior to the ascertained lesson. The principal will be provided with the pedagogue ‘s lesson program and together they will choose a day of the month for the observation. Following, the principal will detect the lesson. This transformational and transactional leader will inquire the undermentioned inquiries ( Anderson, 2008 ; Lucas, & A ; Valentine, 2002 ) : Did the instructor grasp the pupils ‘ attending? Were the pupils engaged throughout the lesson? Was the stuff presented in a clear, concise manor? Were the demands of each type of scholar met in the lesson? What were the pupils making throughout the lesson? Did the instructor cheque for understanding and inquire follow-up inquiries? How was the lesson concluded? These are seven inquiries that the principal will observe throughout the lesson. Finally, the principal and instructor will hold a station conference sing the observation. At this conference, the principal will be able to supply the pedagogue with notes and remarks refering to the ascertained lesson. The principal will be able to discourse strengths and failings and offer tools for betterment ( Bono & A ; Judge, 2004. Variable Two: Professional Growth Transformational and transactional leaders must promote members to continually enhance professional growing. Continuous larning for pedagogues will advance effectual pedagogues. As a transformational and transactional principal, chances for growing and betterment must be available for pedagogues. Workshops, seminars, and meeting are indispensable for effectual instruction and for teacher answerability ( Bono & A ; Judge, 2004 ) .Promoting pupil success and accomplishmentStudents will stand out under a transformational and transactional leader ( Chin, 2007 ) . Students respond positively to leaders that are magnetic, rational, and originative. Students are able to set up a respectful resonance with the disposal and school personal ( Chin, 2007 ) . Principals whom set up the foundation of transformational and transactional leading accomplishments will advance pupil success and accomplishment. Datas from 1,762 pedagogues and 9,941 pupils in one big school territory were obtained to research the effects of transformational leading patterns on selected organisation conditions and pupil battle within the schools. The consequences confirmed that there were strong important effects of such transformational and transactional leading on pupil success rate. This partciular article was qualitative and provided voluminous sum of information associating to the field of transformational leading and its benefit in schools ( Leithwood, 2000 ) . Transformational and transactional leaders obtain qualities that are animating and successful. Principals who lead in this attack will make a safe acquisition environment where pupils are able to larn to their highest potency ( Hood, Poulson, Mason, Walker, & A ; Dixon, 2009 ) . Teacher answerability and public presentation is the 2nd measure within the transformational and transactional attack ( Chin, ( 2007 ) . Teachers must be able to self evaluate, evaluate equals, and take part in principal-teacher rating. Educators must go on to turn professional and go on their instruction.

Ray Bradbury s Fahrenheit 451 - 2323 Words

Picture a world where one must meet the expectations of being normal, where diversity is not accepted, or even worse, a detached society where emotions no longer exist. By reading the first few pages of Fahrenheit 451, readers immediately get the feeling of a dystopian society. Firemen creating fires, instead of extinguishing them, and technology that has taken their society to a whole new level of entertainment. These are exaggerated ideas right off the bat, yet Ray Bradbury carries the readers through the story in order to show them his own outlook on the future- in fact, all dystopian works share an aspect of how the world could turn out to be. There are many ways of creating a true dystopian story, although social commentary is by far the most impactful. This is a stylistic element that creators use to express their opinions about society. Fictional novels and films such as Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, The Young Elites by Marie Lu, and Kurt Wimmer’s Equilibrium, e ach provide a different message to the audience, including the dangers of advanced technology, what could happen if people lived in a non-diverse society, and how emotions are significant in life. The different style techniques that the writers and directors use allow the people to become more aware about the dangers of things and realize that although they may seem like far fetched ideas, they have the potential to become a reality. Part 1: The Social Commentary and Style within Fahrenheit 451 Ray BradburyShow MoreRelatedRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4511721 Words   |  7 Pagesliterature slowly disappear from the minds of the population? This is the question that Ray Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451, attempts to answer. In this book, he describes a hypothetical world in which the population not only avoids reading, but has made owning books an unthinkable crime, with all books discovered burned, along with the houses of those who hoarded them. In this dystopian future created by Bradbury, the beauty that is literature has been replaced in society by television programs andRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4511358 Words   |  6 Pagesnotice them, books were outlawed, knowledge was forbidden, and memories were hard to come by? In the 1950 novel Fahrenheit 451, author Ray Bradbury presents a society which invokes much thought about the way we live in society today. It’s a story about a lifestyle in the future that has evolved from our present, but in seemingly different worlds. Through the protagonist, Guy Montag, Bradbury makes a wider point about the dangers that a society can present. The government of this future forbids itsRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4511360 Words   |  6 Pages Ray Bradbury and his Fahrenheit 451 Future Technology has had many great contributions, but is it destroying America as author Ray Bradbury foreseen back in the 1950’s. The intent of this paper is to explain how Fahrenheit 451, which was written over 65 years ago, has begun to come true in some aspects of American society today. The intended audience for this paper is fellow students who have not read this novel, and the professor. Ray Bradbury’s role in Fahrenheit 451 is to help readers understandRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4511120 Words   |  5 Pagesindividuality suppression, and the ever-growing gap between upper and lower class. The United States is heading down the path of becoming a dystopian society. Citizens in the United States have the same general behavior as those in Ray Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451. This novel features a world where cars are fast, music is loud, and watching television is the main way to spend free time. People rarely make time for each other, rarely imagine and form their own opinions, and rarely take the timeRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4512532 Words   |  11 PagesRay Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is a magnificent masterpiece written to aid in visualizing what a distant future dystopian society would look like; one in which everyone lives in the fast lane, technology is at its crowning, void of human relations and instant satisfactions, as well as gratifications, are constantly being pursued. The novel was written during the era where communism and the holocaust began to sprout. Mr. Bradbury, being a patriot of his country, feared that society was leaning towardRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 451976 Words   |  4 PagesGuy Mont age from Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 would be similar to life without a choice. Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 demonstrates how excessive use of technology affects a person’s relationship. Montage is the protagonist of the novel who is a fireman. Montage lives in a world where his job is to burn books, and initiate a fire. The government is trying to outlaw the use of books in the city. Bradbury portrays this new world through the character of Montage. Bradbury describes Montage’sRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4512451 Words   |  10 PagesRay Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, is a prime example of social criticism. The story sets in the 24th century where people race jet cars; the author’s idea of the future. It shows a flawed social structure, controlled by the media and government with banning and burning of books, and suppressing society’s minds from history. Their logical thought was that it would keep society from thinki ng too much, which in turn would prevent bad thoughts, and to keep them â€Å"happy all the time†. The book tells a storyRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4511410 Words   |  6 PagesRay Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, published in 1953 by Ballantine Books, rose to fame quickly and surely as a grandfather of the dystopian genre. A year after its release, Greg Conklin of Galaxy Science Fiction named the novel, â€Å"among the great works of the imagination written in English in the last decade or more† (Conklin). The Chicago Sunday Tribune s August Derleth called it a shockingly savage prophetic view of one possible future way of life, while honoring Bradbury in sight of his brilliantRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4512071 Words   |  9 Pageslives? In the book Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury depicts a society that is immersed in technology, which becomes an obsession for most of its people. Bradbury also describes the negative effects that come with this techno logy, especially losing essential human traits like communication and common sense. Finally, Bradbury sends the message that technology is so powerful that it not only controls certain people, but an entire society as well. In the book Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury describes the dangersRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4511592 Words   |  7 Pagessomething real?†(pg) Ray Bradbury s book Fahrenheit 451 although written in 1953, was ahead of its time predicting technological marvels and our potential to indulge and be addicted to electronic media. The novel presents a twilight zone of what society could be like if books and the written word were no longer desired and the main purpose of life becomes the hunt for personal happiness. So, has our society already evolved into these habits? I cannot help but say Bradbury s description is comparable

Beto ORourke Biography

Beto O’Rourke (born Robert Francis O’Rourke on Sept. 26, 1972) is a Texas politician whose progressive politics, enthusiastic following on the campaign trail, and aspirations to the presidency have earned him comparisons to a  Kennedy  and  a young Obama. O’Rourke is a former businessman who served three terms in the  U.S. House of Representatives  before embarking on what would be the most expensive, yet unsuccessful, campaign for  U.S. Senate  in the midterm elections of  President Donald Trump’s first term. Fast Facts: Beto O'Rourke Full Name: Robert Francis O’RourkeKnown For:  American politician and potential presidential hopeful. His unsuccessful campaign against Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz was the most expensive in the 2018 congressional midterm elections, costing $80 million.Born:  Sept. 26, 1972, in El Paso, TexasParents:  Pat and Melissa O’RourkeSpouse:  Amy Hoover SandersChildren:  Ulysses, Henry and MollyEducation:  Columbia University, bachelor of arts degree in English literature,  1995.Famous Quote:  I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee, for your rights, any time, anywhere, in any place.Fun Fact:  ORourke played bass in a punk band called Foss. Early Years  and an Unusual  Nickname for an Irish Kid O’Rourke was born in El Paso, Texas, the son of Pat and Melissa O’Rourke. His father was in politics, serving as a Democratic county commissioner and judge before switching  parties and mounting an unsuccessful campaign for Congress. His mother worked in a furniture store. O’Rourke’s family had immigrated from Ireland four generations before, but the young man went by Beto—short for Roberto in Mexico. â€Å"My parents have called me Beto from day one, and it’s just—it’s kind of a nickname for Robert in El Paso. It just stuck,† he has said. As a young man, ORourke often accompanied his politician father around town. He told an interviewer in 2018 that he and his father were far apart in their enjoyment of glad-handing and schmoozing.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"He had this real joy in public life, in meeting people and representing people,† the younger O’Rourke recalled about his father. In some ways, I really hated it.  It was the kind of stuff you don’t want to do when you are 10 years old, unless you were really into that. And I wasn’t. I was an awkward and shy kid, so it was the last thing I wanted to do, but now I can look back and bless my experience in it.† As a young teen in high school, ORourke sought distance from his father by transferring from the public high school in El Paso to an all-male boarding school in Virginia, Woodberry Forest. After graduation he entered Columbia University in New York, where he majored in English literature, worked at a publishing house, and wrote fiction while playing bass with a punk band with some friends. After graduating from college, ORourke moved back to El Paso in 1998, and co-founded a software and technology company called Stanton Street Technology Group. He also became a partner in a real-estate firm and invested in property in his home town. Political Career ORourke was catapulted to political fame with his folksy 2018 bid for U.S. Senate against  Republican incumbent Ted Cruz—he livestreamed a 254-county tour of Texas—and his accessibility in the House. He was popular with small-money donors and progressive activists, much the way  Bernie Sanders  was in running for president in 2016. But his political career began on a much smaller level, as a member of El Paso city council from 2005 to 2011. It was during his tenure on city council that he became involved in a controversy that placed him squarely between the interests of his wealthy investor father-in-law and the angry residents and small businesses he was elected to represent. ORourke sided with his father-in-law and publicly supported the plan to replace  tenements and boarded-up buildings in  downtown El Paso with restaurants, shops and an arts walk, a move that angered his constituents. His first step into the national political spotlight came in the May 2012 Democratic congressional primary in Texas, when ORourke knocked off an eight-term incumbent who had been endorsed by  President Barack Obama  and  former President Bill Clinton,  U.S. Rep.  Silvestre Reyes. ORourke was elected that year to represent the 16th Congressional District in El Paso. ORourke served three two-year terms in Congress, and had several pieces of legislation signed into law. One was the â€Å"Honor Our Commitment Act,† which expanded mental health care to veterans with â€Å"other-than-honorable† discharges from the military.   He did not seek re-election to the House in 2018 and chose instead to challenge Cruz for one of the states seats in the U.S. Senate. Cruz narrowly won the race, which in an of itself was shocking because Texas is overwhelmingly Republican. ORourke, though defeated, had accomplished much by running so close to an entrenched incumbent. ORourke has said he is weighing a run for president in 2020. Personal Life and Wealth ORourke married his wife, Amy, in 2005.  She is  the daughter of wealthy real estate mogul  William â€Å"Bill† Sanders. The ORourkes have three children: Ulysses, Molly and Henry.   The Center for Responsive Politics estimated Beto O’Rourke’s net worth as $9.1 million in 2016. His net worth and familial ties to a wealthy real estate investor made him an unlikely star among young progressives in 2018. Arrests O’Rourke has been relatively open about facing criminal charges—one for drunk driving and another for breaking into a facility at the University of Texas at El Paso. Both cases have been used against him by political opponents. In the drunk-driving case, from September 1998, O’Rourke was allegedly driving at a high rate of speed when he crashed his car about a mile from the Texas border with New Mexico. A breath-test administered by police found O’Rourke’s blood-alcohol level was above the legal threshold, 0.10 percent. The 26-year-old’s reading was a high of 0.136, according to published reports. The charge was later dismissed after O’Rourke completed a court-approved program. He has described the DUI as a â€Å"serious mistake for which there is no excuse.† Three years earlier, in 1995, O’Rourke had been charged with attempted forcible entry to the physical plant at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he was a student. He spent a night in the El Paso County Jail, made bail the next day and was released. The charge was later dropped. I along with some friends were horsing around, and we snuck under the fence at the UTEP physical plant and set off an alarm. We were arrested by UTEP police. ... UTEP decided not to press charges. We werent intending to do any harm, he has been quoted saying. Sources and Further Reading Saul, Stephanie. â€Å"Beto ORourke Once Supported an El Paso Real Estate Deal. Barrio Residents Remember.†Ã‚  The New York Times, The New York Times, 29 Oct. 2018,  www.nytimes.com/2018/10/29/us/politics/beto-orourke-el-paso-texas-senate.html.Golshan, Tara. â€Å"The Raging Controversy over Beto ORourkes Full Name, Explained.†Ã‚  Vox.com, Vox Media, 8 Mar. 2018,  www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/3/7/17091094/beto-orourke-full-name-ted-cruz-controversy.Bailey, Holly. â€Å"Like Ted Cruz, Beto ORourke Had a Fiery, Charismatic Father. The Similarities End There.† Yahoo! News, Yahoo!, 2 Oct. 2018,  www.yahoo.com/news/like-ted-cruz-beto-orourke-fiery-charismatic-father-similarities-end-090017531.html.Livingston, Abby. â€Å"Disclosures Offer Window into Personal Finances of Ted Cruz and Beto ORourke in Senate Race.†Ã‚  The Eagle, 4 Oct. 2018,  www.theeagle.com/news/texas/disclosures-offer-window-into-personal-finances-of-ted-cruz-and/article_6dc925 eb-df8a-5037-8f24-573abc4b35ac.html.