Week 3 Discussion: Evaluating SourcesRequired ResourcesRead/review the following resources for this activity:Textbook: Chapter 6, 7LessonMinimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)Introduction"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions – but not their own facts." (Daniel Patrick Moynihan, cited in Vanity Fair, 2010, para. 2)We form opinions – and make our judgments – based on facts we observe and values we hold. Our judgments are also influenced by the opinions of others. In the section "An Expert on Hate in America" in Chapter 6, one of the authors, Dr. Peter Facione, renders an opinion on a non-profit civil rights organization: Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Dr. Facione is a leading advocate and one of the most influential voices in the field of critical thinking.His endorsement of the civil rights organization is unqualified. It is also transparent: Dr. Facione reveals that he is a financial supporter of the organization and has arranged speaking engagements for its founder. This is Dr. Facione's invitation to you, the reader:Knowing where you can learn more about the SPLC for yourself, and knowing about Dr. Facione's endorsement and support of the Center's work, evaluate this claim made by Dr. Facione: "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America" (p. 124).The endorsement of the SPLC is contained in the most current edition of the text, whose copyright date is 2016. Since that time Morris Dees, co-founder and former chief trial counsel, has been fired (Hassan, Zraick & Blinder, 2019). Previously, there has been controversy about groups and individuals that are listed by the SPLC as "hate groups" (Graham, 2016; Price, 2018). The organization, which has nearly a half-billion dollars in assets, has also been criticized for how it spends these funds (Robinson, 2019).Self-Assessment QuestionBefore you submit your initial post, make sure to read the assigned chapter. Then, ask yourself the following: Did the article in Chapter 6 of the text seem credible and reliable? Why? Be very specific:Was it because it is in a textbook?Because it was written by a learned and respected person?Because of content in the article?Because of your previous knowledge of the SPLC?Initial Post InstructionsFor the initial post, address the following:Conduct additional research on the SPLC. Did your opinion alter in any way? Why?Only after you have done some responsible research should you begin to respond to the discussion prompt. The discussion is not about the SPLC; it is not about Dr. Facione. It is about what you have learned about forming opinions.Your post must answer this question:How do you define the term "expert"?Your post must also discuss at least two (2) of the following questions:How important are facts in the process of forming an opinion? Explain what you believe to be the purpose or function of facts in making a judgment.How did you respond to the self-assessment question? Since doing further research, have you re-thought the way in which you assess credibility and reliability? What is the importance of factoring the recency of a reference or opinion (i.e., how old is it?) into an assessment of credibility and reliability?How would you evaluate Dr. Facione's claim "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America" (p. 124). Does the SPLC fit your definition of "expert"? Be specific in your answer.Follow-Up Post InstructionsRespond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.Writing RequirementsMinimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source)APA format for in-text citations and list of references

1.Choose 2 articles from professional journals of education (scholarly and/or peer-reviewed articles only). You must choose articles to related one of the language arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing or visual representation) in the course textbook. Both articles should be on the same topic. This topic must be clearly included in your title on the title page. Articles must be published within the last 5 years and must be more than 5 pages. 2.Your review must be written in your words and include 1–2 scholarly citations per paragraph in current APA format, except in the reflective section where none are included. Do not over quote from the article. Instead, summarize and paraphrase. 3.Write a separate critique for each journal article. However, the assignment will be submitted as 1 Microsoft Word document. The content of the paper, including 2 critiques, must be 4–5 pages. In addition to the content, make sure to include a title and reference page. 4.Organize and format each critique with the headings and subheadings outlined below. Do not write the questions. You must write your critiques with well-formed paragraphs that flow logically from one topic to the next.

Overview: Understanding the structure of a criminal justice organization is the foundation of organizational assessment. This will allow you to accurately assess whether or not an organization is fulfilling its mission statement. Once assessment is determined, interdepartmental dissemination will be streamlined due to familiarity with the structure of the organization. Prompt: Submit a draft of the structure (Section II) of your final project. Start with an outline of the organization as a whole entity. Once the structure has been determined, begin to analyze how departments interact to maximize efficiency in meeting the standards of the organization. Be sure to address all of the critical elements as outlined below. Specifically the following critical elements must be addressed: II. Structure: In this section, you will analyze the overall structure of the organization to set the stage for your performance assessment. For the purposes of this project, you will select a subdivision of the agency on which to focus your performance assessment. A. What are the departments or subdivisions into which your selected organization is divided, and how do these subdivisions work together as a whole in relation to the mission of the organization? In other words, each department or subdivision has its own goals, but how do all the departments or subdivisions work together to achieve the organization’s mission? B. Describe your selected subdivision, and outline the specific goals and responsibilities of the subdivision, describing how they align with the overall mission of the agency. Consider how the goals of the selected subdivision align with the mission of the agency. C. Describe the key policies in place that run your selected subdivision of the organization, explaining how these policies align with the mission of the subdivision. For example, the subdivision might have specific rules and regulations within its operating procedures and laws that ensure the subdivision meets its established goals. Guidelines for Submission: Your paper must be submitted as a 2- to 3-page Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and at least three sources cited in APA format. Critical Elements Proficient (100%) Needs Improvement (80%) Not Evident (0%) Value Structure: Departments or Subdivisions Outlines the departments or subdivisions of the organization and explains how the subdivisions work together as a whole in relation to the mission of the organization Outlines the departments or subdivisions of the organization and explains how the subdivisions work together as a whole in relation to the mission of the organization, but with gaps in detail or accuracy Does not outline the departments or subdivisions of the organization and does not explain how the subdivisions work together as a whole in relation to the mission of the organization 30 Structure: Subdivision Describes the selected subdivision, outlining the specific goals and responsibilities, describing how they align with the overall mission of the agency Describes the selected subdivision, outlining the specific goals and responsibilities, describing how they align with the overall mission of the agency, but with gaps in detail or accuracy Does not describe the selected subdivision 30 Structure: Policies Describes the key policies in place that run the selected subdivision of the organization, explaining how these policies align with the mission of the subdivision Describes the key policies in place that run the selected subdivision of the organization, explaining how these policies align with the mission of the subdivision, but with gaps in detail, accuracy, or logic Does not describe the key policies in place that run the selected subdivision of the organization, explaining how these policies align with the mission of the subdivision 30 Articulation of Response Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas 10 Total 100%