Standardized Tests Do Not Measure Student Achievement Essay example --

Standardized testing has been around since the mid 1800’s. Even though testing has been around for a long time it is still debated whether or not it should precisely â€Å"score† students. Students have been subjected to standardized tests frequently through their years in school due to laws which have been passed by Congress. Decisions about the evaluation of schools and students are recurrently made by government authority and are often not in the best interest of teachers, students, or their classroom environments. What do students achieve from standardized testing? Achievement means something that somebody has succeeded in doing. â€Å"Achievement is more than just test scores but also includes class participation, students’ course-taking patterns, and teachers’ professional development patterns†(Harris, Harris, Smith). How can a test score show someone’s satisfaction or what they believe success is? The tests aren’t that advanced in today’s technology. The tests do prepare students for more important tests such as the ACT, SAT, ASVAB, ect†¦Testing patterns have also been disputed such as drawing a Christmas tree, or limit a letter choice to a certain number of blanks filled in. This does not help the students or the educators in this essence. It does not test the students’ full potential to what they have learned from their educator, it just simply tests the students’ ability to guess quickly under pressure (Walberg). These tests a re usually briefly timed. Depending on how the student paces his or herself depends on how well he or she can take the test, because the student still needs to think logically. Under these circumstances students rush to finish the test forcing them to think illogically, resulting in a low score ul... ...8 Nov. 2013. Popham, W.James. "Why Standardized Tests Don't Measure Educational Quality." Educational Leadership. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Nov 2013. www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar99/vol56/num06/Why- standardized-tests-don't-measure-educational-quality/ "Standardized Tests." procon.org. N.p., 01 Nov. 2013. Web. 11 Nov 2013. . "Standardized Testing: No Child Left Behind." Lawserver. N.p.. Web. 13 Nov 2013. Walberg, Herbert J. "Standardized Tests Effectively Measure Student Achievement." Standardized Testing. Ed. Dedria Bryfonski. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "Stop the War Against Standardized Tests." Defining Ideas: A Hoover Institution Journal (20 May 2011). Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 8 Nov. 2013.

Analysis Of Health And Social Care In The Uk

ABSTRACT This analysis provides a review on the health and social care services in the UK. This will include an exploration of inequalities with the care sectors from the focus of the policy and individual and a discussion on promotion of equality and individual rights within the care sector. A brief history of social care in the UK will also be given. A clear understanding of inequalities in health is of critical importance so as to develop policies and interventions that support all sections of the society and direct care, treatment and services in proportion to need. Social workers can play an important role in these inequalities by working with service users in increasing their social and material resources and providing them access to information and support systems as well as maximizing their capacity to managing their health. INTRODUCTION At a time when there is a growing population in need of care, yet inequalities in health and social care challenge effective provision of services, the UK government face the central question: how should inequalities in health care be tackled and how can government ensure the promotion of individual rights within the care sector (Alcock, et.al., 2006)In order to explore on this subject, we must first define what we mean by social care. Social care encompasses a range of services that help people maintain independence, help them manage complex relationships, protect them in vulnerable situations and enable them to play a fuller part in the society (DOH 2006). It includes the provision of personal care, social work, protection and social support services to children and vulnerable adults. The provision of social care is often deemed necessary at old age or when an individual is suffering from long-term illness, learning and physical/sensory disability or mental illness. RATIONALE The current system in the UK is perceived unfair in the provision services in health care. There are huge disparities in the provision of health care services in parts of the UK with the spearheaded areas experiencing worst health care and deprivation (Ellison & Pierson 2003). The central focus of health inequalities policies have primarily been on health care and NHS funding. While significant progress has been made over the past decade by the National Health Service, inequalities still remain prevalent in the health care (Adams 2007). BACKGROUND OF SOCIAL CARE IN THE UK Social care has long been in existence as an informal concept through family support, community support and charitable works (Manson, et.al., 2004). The earliest Parliamentary Act that offered formal support to social care was the Poor Law of 1601 (Manson, et.al., 2004). This Act of parliament referred those in need of domestic care, health care, employment and housing to the care of their Parish. The advent of social work in the 19th century offered more formal support to social care. From medieval times, care was provided mostly by faith organizations or voluntary associations (Manson, et.al., 2004). The coming into power by the liberal government in 1906 was accompanied with the provision of formal health and social care that led to the establishment of the National Health Services (NHS) and the Welfare state in England during the 1940s (Manson, et.al., 2004). This herald a new dawn for social work by making access to formal health and social care services free at the point of need. The care standards Act of 2000 further increased the recognition of social work with the introduction of a degree in social work and the social workers’ register (Porter & Teisberg 2006). It is a requirement for social workers to hold an Honours degree or postgraduate MA in social work and to register with the General Social Care Council prior to commencing work. With this background knowledge in mind, it is worth examining the types of services provided by agencies in social care. SERVICES PROVIDED BY STATUTORY AND VOLUNTARY CARE AGENCIES Care services include services provided at care homes, domiciliary care, foster care, respite care and care provided at community venues (Jordan 2008).DOMICILIARY CARE/HOME CAREThis is the care that is provided at home and is suited for persons that have less acute need (Francis 2012). Limited nursing care may be provided by a District Nurse when needed. Nursing care is usually provided in care homes especially for the more infirm elderly as such individuals are often in need of medical attention and a greater level of care (Lovell & Cordeaux 1999). Domiciliary care aims at providing help with a specific task such as bathing or waking up in the morning. Traditionally, family members, friends and partners have provided domiciliary care. There is however a growing number of voluntary and statutory agencies providing domiciliary care services in the UK. Care UK is one such provider which has been approved to provide domiciliary care services to 55 local authorities in the UK (Francis 2012). Care UK provides domiciliary care to many service users including older people with dementia, children, individuals who are physically disabled and those with sensory impairments as well as serving adults with specialist needs such as mental illness, learning difficulties, HIV and acquired brain injury (Francis 2012).RESPITE CAREThis can be defined as a temporary relief provided for an elderly or the carer and may take the following forms (Lovell & Cordeaux 1999): Taking a break away from the daily routine by the elderly such as a going on a holiday. A short stay in a care home so that the carer can go on a holiday Increased support at home to enable the carer to pursue his/her interests Respite care may be as little as a day, a week or even an hour per week depending on the circumstances of the individual. Under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995, a carer who provides substantial care to his/her relative, friend, neighbour or partner is entitled to his/her own separate assessment by social services (Lovell & Cordeaux 1999). If assessed as in need of respite care, then this can be arranged by them.FOSTER CAREThis refers to the care provided to a minor who has been made a â€Å"ward† (Curry & Ham 2010). The minor is placed in the hands of a licensed or state certified caregiver who is often referred to as the foster parent. Foster care placement may be voluntary or involuntary. Where the biological parent is not able to provide the needed care to the minor, then voluntary placement may occur. However, where the minor is at risk of physical or psychological harm, then involuntary placement occurs (Curry & Ham 2010). There are many agencies providing fostering services in the UK. FosterCare UK is one independent non-profit organization established in 2007 to provide foster care services to minors in London and South East (Porter & Teisberg 2006). FosterCare UK recruits, trains, approves and supports foster carers to work with young people with complex and challenging needs (Porter & Teisberg 2006).COMMUNITY CARECare may as well be provided at community venues such as drop-in and day care centres. A good example is the Community Integrated Care (CIC) group, one of the leading nonprofit social and health care providers in the UK (Porter & Teisberg 2006). CIC is a national and registered charity that works in the community by providing support to people with a diverse range of needs across England and Scotland (Porter & Teisberg 2006). The group provides support to people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health conditions. It also provides a range of support services to o lder people with dementia. Further, CIC provides homelessness services such as housing, personal development and training and education to homeless people (Porter & Teisberg 2006). While there are a number of agencies, both statutory and voluntary, offering social care services to vulnerable individuals, challenges still remain in the provision of such services. Health inequality is one major challenge which has continued to undermine the effective provision of services in the health care. INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH In the UK, the black and minority ethnic (BME) groups have in general reported ill-health and their dissatisfaction with the care services. A large proportion of the UK population constitutes the white. According to the 2001 census, the white accounted for 92% of the total population while the Black British and Asians accounted for 2% and 4% respectively (DOH 2006). Ethnic differences in the delivery and uptake of health care services have been reported. For example, access to care for coronary heart disease has been found to be lower among the South Asians (DOH 2006). With reference to prevention, the rates of smoking cessation have been found to be lower in these minority groups compared to the whites (DOH 2006). Additionally, most of these minority groups have indicated higher rates of dissatisfaction with the services provided by the NHS. For example, according to the Healthcare Commission patient surveys, most of the South Asians reported poorer experiences in hospitals as inpatients (DOH 2006). Many of these minority groups experience higher rates of poverty than the whites, in terms of area deprivation, worklessness, income, and the lack of basic necessities. This perhaps explains the variation in self-reported health. However, other than their socio-economic status, there is a complex interplay of factors that may be responsible for causing such inequalities including discrimination, racism, poor delivery of health care services, biological susceptibility and the differences in culture and lifestyles (DOH 2006). PROGRESS AND INITIATIVES TOWARDS REDUCING INEQUALITY IN HEALTH CARE Policy developments have tried to tackle inequalities in health. Acheson’s Independent Inquiry of 1998 was a key initiative that put health inequalities on the policy agenda (Stuart 2003). It emphasized on how poverty, the wider inequalities and exclusion were impacting on the provision of health care services. Subsequent policies have also recognized inequalities in health as multi-faceted and focused on reducing these inequalities. The central focus of health inequalities policies have primarily been on health care and NHS funding (Baldock, et.al., 2007). Besides the socioeconomic inequalities, policies have also focused explicitly on equity between the various ethnic groups. Identifying good practice in racial equality and mainstreaming strategies in health services has been the main approach to tackling inequalities (Baldock, et.al., 2007). A number initiatives have been commissioned by the Department of Health to collate good practice in equality in health such as Race for Health, Pacesetters and handling problems like language barriers and barrier to access of health care resources (Stuart 2003). More recently, major reforms have been made to the NHS. The role that Primary Care Trust plays in health care has expanded and changes have been made to practice based commissioning, competition, and involvement of patient as well as plurality of providers (Lewis, et.al 2010). These reforms are seen as making it easier tailor health care services to local populations thus meeting the needs of everyone, including the minority groups. The Department of Health has also initiated the Mosaic programme, which aims at developing and maintaining good practice in procurement, based on the Commission for Racial Equality guidelines (DOH 2006). Concerns have however been raised by critics that the initiative may not be of benefit to the minority and deprived groups and they have called for an examination of the impact that these reforms may have on equalities. While there has been a remarkable progress towards reducing inequalities in the health care sector in UK, there is still the need to develop more policies and interventions that support all sections of the society and direct care, treatment and services in proportion to need. This includes advocating for the promotion of individual rights within the care sector. PROMOTION OF EQUALITY AND INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS In this regard, individual rights include, but are not limited to (Adams 2007): The right to respect Not to be discriminated against Right to practice their cultural and religious beliefs Making their own choices Right to equality or to be treated in a similar manner as the rest of the population Treated as an individual Right to be treated in a dignified way Right to privacy or confidentiality Protection from harm and danger Right to have access to information, especially where that information concerns them Communication using their preferred methods. There is thus the need for recognition of the immense diversity amongst individuals in the British society and how care agencies, both voluntary and statutory, can accommodate this diversity. This promotion of equality and individual rights is crucial for effective provision of care services. That is, social workers need to treat everyone as an individual, have respect for individual’s diversity and cultural values, promote equal treatment and opportunities for individuals, empower individuals, support them express their needs and experiences, ensure their well-being, work in ways consistent with the individual’s preferences and beliefs, avoid their discrimination and put the individual’s preference at the heart of service provisions through person centred planning approach (Adams 2007). CONCLUSION Social care services are provided to vulnerable individuals to protect them from harm, promote their independence and social inclusion, preserve or advance their physical and mental health, improve their opportunities and life chances, strengthen their families and protect and promote their individual human rights. In spite of the importance of provision of social care services, it is apparent that the current system in the UK is perceived unfair in the provision of health care services. There seems to be huge disparities in health care service provisions in parts of the UK with the spearheaded areas experiencing worst health care and deprivation. A remarkable progress has however been made towards reducing inequalities in the health A number initiatives have been commissioned by the Department of Health to collate good practice in equality in health such as Race for Health, Pacesetters and major reforms made to the NHS. These are seen as making it easier to tailor health care services to local populations thus meeting the needs of everyone, including the minority groups. While there has been a remarkable progress made, there is still the need to develop more policies and interventions that support all sections of the society and direct care, treatment and services in proportion to need. Social workers can play an important role in reducing health inequalities by working with service users in increasing their social and material resources and providing them access to information and support systems as well as maximizing their capacity to managing their health. REFERENCE Adams, R., 2007. Foundations of health and social care. Palgrave publishers Alcock, P., et.al., 2006. Students companion to social policy. Blackwell publishers Baldock et al (eds), 2007. Social Policy, Oxford University Press. Bradshaw, et.al., 1978. Issues in social policy. Routledge. Curry N. and C. Ham, 2010. Clinical and Service Integration: The route to improved outcomes. London: The King’s Fund. Available at: www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/clinical_and_service.html (accessed on 16 February 2012). Department of Health (DOH), 2006. Our Health, Our Care, Our Say: A New Direction for Community Services. London: DOH Department of Health, 1998. Modernising social services. Crown publishers. Hill, M., 2006. Social policy in the modern world. Blackwell publishers Ellison, N. and C. Pierson, 2003. Developments in British Social Policy. Palgrave publishers Francis, J., 2012. An overview of the UK domiciliary care sector. Sutton. United Kingdom Home Care Association Ltd. Jordan, B., 2008. Social policy for the 21st century (New Perspective). Polity Press. Lewis R, et.al., 2010. Where Next for Integrated Care Organisations in the NHSLondon: Nuffield Trust. Lovell, T and C. Cordeaux, 1999. Social Policy for Health and Social Care. Hodder and Stoughton. Mason, et.al, 2004. BTEC Introduction Health and Social Care. Heinemann. Platt, L, 2002. Parallel livesPoverty among ethnic minority groups in Britain, London. Porter, M. and E. Teisberg, 2006. Redefining Health Care: Creating Value- Based Competition On Results. Harvard Business School Press. Stuart, et.al, 2003. Tackling Health Inequalities since the Acheson Inquiry, Bristol

Betrayed by My Best Friend Essay

Betrayed by my best friend, the more I thought about the title the more I decided that it was time to write about the betrayal that cost me so very dearly. She entered my life in August of 1978 with her three children, she rented the apartment on the other side of the old farm house my former husband and I had purchased. I was still young and naive then, and overly trusting. I thought she and her sons would be a blessing instead she used that friendship to betray me and my daughters. My former husband was cheating on me: I knew that much I just had no idea that he was cheating with two different women at the same time. One woman he got pregnant and married the other was my best friend or so I thought. I first became suspicious when I discovered she knew exactly where my former husband hid his cigarettes and alcohol. I ignored those clues; I just could not bring myself to believe she was having sex with my former husband. She knew we were having problems and even told me at one point she would gladly testify in the divorce trial if she were needed. I told her of coarse she was needed; I had to prove he was cheating on me and that he was continually abusive to me and my daughters. Imagine my surprise when she reneged and refused to testify. She had been dating a friend of mine and while I was visiting she was also there. She could not even look me in the eye but still being as naive as I was I pursued the subject with my friend who finally told me that she had indeed been having an affair with my former husband. I remember sitting and crying all I wanted was to know why, what had I done to deserve this? She never did answer me but my daughter recently told me what happened after I finally left. Apparently she was supposed to be cleaning the house and doing the grocery shopping since my former husband did not think that his children needed food. When the divorce trial became a reality, she not only would not testify on my behalf, she would not answer her phone. My attorney told me that if she was called to testify, she would be a hostile witness and possibly harm my case more than it was already harmed. My former husband’s attorney was the assistant District Attorney who happened to play golf with the presiding Judge. On the advice from my attorney she was not called, I lost my daughters to my former husband; he was working and had a good income. I was working at a minimum wage job, so the Judge decided that my daughters would be better off with their father. The girls were abused by their step mother; their father knew what was happening to them but ignored them. My best friend’s betrayal not only cost me my daughters, it cost me precious time with my daughters that I can never regain. I am no longer bitter where she is concerned, she is not worth it. Betrayal is the hardest thing to deal with because it involves not just friendship but trust. I sometimes wonder what happened to her after the trial, I would like to see her again one day and ask: â€Å"why did you betray me?†

Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years

In thirteenth century, the word Hindustan, used by Mining-I Syria, meant the areas of Punjab, Harlan and lands between the Gang and Yamaha. In modern times, the same word denotes the modern nation-state of India in its entirety. CLC The context changed from geographical and cultural to political. D In modern context, foreigner means a person who is not Indian. During the medieval period, a foreigner was any stranger who appeared in a village or city. It referred to a person who was not a part of that society or culture.CLC Historians and their sources Different types of sources are used by historians to learn about the past, depending on the period being studied and the nature of the investigation. CLC The major sources of historical information are coins, architecture, inscriptions and textual records. C] The period from 700 AD to 1 750 AD saw an increase in the number of textual records. The reason was easy availability of paper and its low cost. It enabled people to write holy tex ts, chronicles, letters and teachings of saints, petitions, judicial records, and registers of accounts and taxes.These slowly replaced the older sources of information. L Wealthy people, rulers, monasteries and temples collected manuscripts which were placed in libraries and archives. 0 Manuscripts still had to be copied manually. Variations in handwritten copies of the same manuscript developed due to lack of adequate technologies like printing. This made it difficult for historians to interpret textual records. CLC Social and political groups The scale, variety of events and developments that occurred over the period from 700 AD and 1 750 AD is enormous, making it challenging for the historians.L] New technologies in irrigation, agriculture, crafts and warfare were ushered n the subcontinent during this period. New crops like potato and tea, which later became very important, were also introduced with the arrival of new people. As such, it was a period of economic, political, soc ial and cultural changes. C] Traveling for trade and exploration also increased during this period. C] Ragouts, a group of warriors who claimed Ashtray status, gained in importance during this period. The Martha, Sikhs, Jets, Moms and Ashtrays also became important. Clearing of forests in order to expand agriculture, forced many forest Weller to migrate or become peasants. C] Societies became complex and acquired hierarchies. Peasants were required to pay taxes and offer goods and services to local lords. C] Economic and social differences, based upon amount of land, cattle and craftsmanship, emerged amongst peasants. CLC Sub-castes or stats became the primary factor of social differentiation. They had their own rules and regulations, enforced by a sati penchant or an assembly of elders.Ranks varied according to power, influence and resources controlled by the members of the caste. C] Region and empire C] Various dynasties gained ascendancy over different regions, leading to the ris e of kingdoms and empires. CLC The notable dynasties of the period were the Scholars, Challis, Thoughts and Mussels. The Mussels were the most successful in building a vast empire. After their decline in the eighteenth century, regional states re-emerged, but McHugh influence on administration, governance, and economy was still visible.CLC The creation of large empires, encompassing various regions, led to a fusion of traits. At the same time, each region was successful in preserving its individual culture. C] Religions C] Religion was the main force behind social and economic organization of local communities. Religious beliefs were shaped by social conditions. Important changes occurred in Hinduism during this period. They included the worship of new deities, royal patronage of temples and growing importance of Brahmas, the priests, as dominant groups in the society. C Knowledge of Sanskrit texts earned the Brahmas a lot of respect in society.C] The idea of backbit – of a l oving, personal deity that devotees could reach without the support of priests or rituals, evolved during this time. D The teachings Of Islam were also introduced through migrants and merchants. They were widely interpreted by their followers, leading to the emergence of various sects and schools of law. C] Time and historical periods L] In the context of history, time reflects changes in ideas, beliefs and socioeconomic conditions of people. For making historical assessments convenient, time is divided into periods on the basis of similarities in characteristics of events or phenomena.British historians divided Indian's history into three periods: â€Å"Hindu†, Muslim† and â€Å"British†, giving precedence to the religion of rulers rather than changes in the economy, society and culture. Modern historians focus on economic and social factors, dividing history into ancient, medieval and modern periods. CLC The medieval period of Indian history saw the rise of reg ional states, formation of peasant societies and the influence of Hinduism and Islam. O The arrival of European trading companies, who were attracted by the economic prosperity of the region, was amongst the most important events of this period.

Service Project Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Service Project - Case Study Example The primary contact for the conference was Maurice Hoover. As far as planning of the conference most of it was already completed when we arrived, after we were informed as to where the various sessions would take place, all that was required was to help direct people and attend the lectures, which was quite interesting and very helpful. We also assisted in setting up chairs and other minor logistical issues. At the end we did help clean up and we left at around 5:30. The name of the conference where our service project took place was called "Equanimity: Maintaining Balance." The conference itself gave me much insight into the nature of Buddhism at least as it is practiced in the United States. Our classroom preparation on Buddhism gave me some familiarity with some of the terms they used, such as the sangha and the types of meditation. I was also aware, through my previous classroom experience, the deference paid to the leaders of the conference. In this reflection paper I will try to explain what I learned during this service project not only about Buddhism as a religion, but the way in which religion is understood and practiced and I hope to explain what I learned about myself as well. One thing I immediately learned is how different religions adjust to the culture in which they are practiced. For example one of the speakers the Venerable Bhante Kassapa Bhikkhu engages in a number of practices such as Sunday Services, and youth ministry. He is also the Chaplain to Buddhist inmates at a federal corrections facility in Texas. Furthermore, in the description of Kassapa they refer at one point to his close collaboration with an abbot. All of these practices and institutions are primarily Western in character, the abbot is a position within a Christian church and many of the other elements are also Christian in nature. This blending of religious practices is a common feature of religions, and in fact most religions undergo some level of syncretism. What is interesting in this case, is how seamlessly the blending of various practices seemed to be. One might expect that certain religions, especially ones that derive from a completely different tradition to be resistant t o these kinds of formal structures from other religious traditions. However, they have managed to do so and still recognize the authenticity of their traditions. The central concept during the panel discussion was about Equanimity. The Pali term for this is called Upekkha. Upekkha or Equanimity is very important concept in Buddhism for both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. It is one of the Four Enlightened States and serves as a stepping stone to reach nirvana or sati. It is a part of the spiritual development process and is often considered the last-identified. In English equanimity refers to one's ability to be undisturbed mentally during periods of stress or trouble. This is not unrelated to the way upekkha is understood in Buddhism. It is important to note and as was emphasized during the panel

Evaluation of Visual Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Evaluation of Visual Environment - Essay Example the building houses the school’s swimming team and the trainers. The building also hosts several competitions during the year and therefore, the lighting conditions had to meet the regulations. Its surface light should not exceed 50 candles. To stay within this limit, the designers used revolutionary technology of metal halides rated at 1000 watts. The building also hosts several special occasions such celebratory events for a win for the team or other such event. For this purpose, the designer included an extra layer of luminous material. This can be turned on during the celebrations to inform all within sight of the building of what was going on (Jenifer, 2011). During construction, the electrical devices in a building are supplied with power through cabling laid in the walls. However, with a glass building, cabling becomes tricky. The cables have to blend in with the glass walls and be invisible. Various innovations made this possible in the athletic center. The cables are undetectable. From the professional point of view of an architect, the lighting design should give the building its individual character. The lighting design of the athletic center gives off the aquatic associations of the building. Most people agree that clear water is blue in color. This is what the designers relied upon when making their choice of color to be used in this building. Generally, there are three environments where lighting design would be needed. These are environments meant for public service and work, environments meant for exhibitions and sales events and those meant for leisure and residence. The athletic center fits in the category of leisure environment. The athletes need visual stimulation and therefore designers have to consider this factor when making their decisions. Lighting can consume a lot of energy if the correct technology is not used in the design. In the case of the athletic

Poe's The Cask of Amontillado Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Poe's The Cask of Amontillado - Essay Example "The Cask of Amontillado" is an ultimate tale of revenge which explores how pride can overwhelm a person causing him to pervasively obtain the revenge he believes he and his family is worthy of as well as how pride can become the ultimate instrument for a person's death. Through his artistic skill of combining various literary techniques, Poe portrays why a person overwhelmed with pride is in a grave danger. It should be noted that pride solely controlled the actions of the main characters, Montresor and Fortunato. The pride of Montresor has become his main motivation in plotting his horrific revenge. The opening statement of the story justifies this: "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge." Even though the story fails to clearly identify how Montresor was insulted by Fortunato, it becomes apparent that the former regards himself very highly enough for his pride to be severely hurt and stung because of this. This pride motivated him not only to punish but "punish with impunity." Thus, Montresor states, that he should not "fail to make himself felt to him as such to him who has done him wrong." The murderer is overwhelmed by his self-righteousness, justifying even a horrible crime like murder. Montresor's murder of Furtonato can also be interpreted as his quest of redeeming the pride of his great family.