Special+Assignment++Number+1

ASSIGNMENT:
 * 1) Review the “problem” and based on your team’s understanding, restate the problem in your own words. (10 points possible)
 * 2) Using the restated problem, determine an agreed upon question (or questions) which will be used to guide you as a team through the research process. As soon as the question(s) is framed, have the course facilitators review it. After facilitators’ approval, prepare a power point slide with question(s) to share with the total class. The slide will be shared during the wrap up time this evening. (10 points possible)
 * 3) Based on your question(s), identify any additional information needed to address the “problem.” (10 points possible)
 * 4) Identify the theoretical and philosophical framework your team plans to use to address the “problem.” (10 points possible)
 * 5) Prepare 4 annotated citations relevant to the “problem.” (10 points possible)

Definition (From Cornell University Library):

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.
 * WHAT IS AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY?**

Abstracts are the purely descriptive summaries often found at the beginning of scholarly journal articles or in periodical indexes. Annotations are descriptive and critical; they expose the author's point of view, clarity and appropriateness of expression, and authority.
 * ANNOTATIONS VS. ABSTRACTS**

Jose:

Ghilani,M.E. (2008). Displaced Workers Successfully Reenter the Workforce: Post Graduation From a Community College. //Community // // College Journal of Research and Practice, //// 32 (8) 573-581. Retrieved From EBSCO ////host //

 This paper discusses the processes involved in finding employment for displaced workers that volunteered to be participants of a study. It also addresses the different methods that were used, and its implications.

Martie:

Greenstone, M., & Looney, A. (2010). Renewing economically distressed american communities. //Issues in Science &// //Technology//, 27(2), 59-67. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.

This article discusses the phenomenon of communities in distress due to downsizing or closure of certain industries. The authors argue that federal strategies to aid distressed communities, including displaced workers, are needed and will not be a one-size-fits all solution. They point out problems of displaced workers such as permanent income loss, effects on health, and even the fact that the skills possessed by the workers may no longer be needed in today's workforce. The article does present solutions such as recommending changes in policies and in particular that there should be a federal procedure established whereby aid is provided for education and retraining during recessions as opposed to cutting education budgets.

Irene: [NOTE: Illiad will be sending article in 3-5 days--This annotation taken from abstract and reworded. This article may provide assistance in developing a needs assessment.]

Russell, J. C. (2011). The use of narratives to contextualize the experiences and needs of unemployed, underemployed, and displaced workers. //Journal of Employment Counseling//, 48(2), 50-62. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.

Jessica C. Russell examined the role of narratives used by unemployed, underemployed, and displaced workers seeking job training assistance through a government-funded One-Stop Career Center. Through interviews with employees of a One-Stop Career Center, Russell gained insight on client rate of disclosure of personal narratives and how client narratives are used to facilitate the job search process. Data from the interviews suggest that narratives give career center employees insight on job seekers' background, barriers, and reemployment mind-set.

Gene:

Courson, P., & CNN. (n.d.). Postal Service proposes closing hundreds of mail-handling facilities - CNN. //Featured Articles from CNN//. Retrieved October 3, 2011, from http://articles.cnn.com/2011-09-15/us/postal.service.cuts_1_postmaster-general-patrick-donahoe- postal-service-post-offices?_s=PM:US

The postal service is an agency that may have cuts in thousands of postal service jobs. It states that each facility on the list has a workforce of between 50 and 2,000 employees. The article states that 20 of those post offices slated for closure have since been taken off the proposed shutdown list, after a review determined the community had no acceptable alternatives. In conclusion they are asking congress to allow the postal service to shift a surplus in a health benefits fund to help expenses.

Agnes

Career transition assistance for surplus and displaced federal employees. (December 29, 1995 ). Federal Register, / Vol. 60, No. 250 (67282), doi: htt://www.federalregister.gov/articles/1995/12/2/199531382/career-transition-assistance-federal-employees

Describes the development and evolution of Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP). On July27, 1999 the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued provisional regulations to execute CTAP. CTAP regulations require agencies to draft an effective plan including provisions for policies and procedures. As the federal government continues to restructure and downsize, some employees find themselves having to transition into new jobs. For this purpose, CTAP helped their displaced employees affected by downsizing find other jobs as the federal government undergoes restructuring. Discusses various services available for transition assistance services. For example gives hiring priority to displaced employees, helping the affected employees’ transition out of their current positions. Documents how the agencies establish assistant for displaced workers, examples given are skills assessment tests, resume preparation, counseling and job search assistance. As set forth in the memorandum, such programs are to be developed in partnership with labor and management, and follow guidance and regulations provided by the OPM.