What a long strange trip it has been. From a former heroin abuser in a poor neighborhood in Michigan, to Michigan's 2007 Hispanic Artist of the Year, I constantly thank my blessings. Thanks for you for visiting my blog where I discuss what matters in education. I hope you enjoy my articles dealing with education and how we can improve education across the nation. If you are in the educational system and would like to see what I can do for your school please click HERE.
Why Be Concerned By At Risk Students?
May 13th, 2008
We should be concerned about at risk children because without intervention, they grow up and engage in at risk behavior as adults in order to make a living because they do not have the educational level that allows them options in life. Their job flexibility is limited to their level of education. A drop out is an example of the ultimate failure of a society to properly rear its children.
Some teachers perceive that these children are hopeless because of substance abuse, poverty, an absent parent or parents, or a dysfunctional family. I intend this blog to be a place where others can share knowledge of what did work in their community. There are so many definitions of an at risk student. Even the financially wealthy can fit. Imagine a high school student in an affluent school that has plenty of money to pay for substances that are lethal. An overdose in the ‘hood hurts just as much as an overdose in the suburbs.
Posted by Hector Tapia-Perez Filed in Uncategorized
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I taught at-risk students in an inner-city school. I loved my job and I loved my students. My students were the best. I am a certified chemistry and general science teacher. I had a lot of fun teaching those kids. Many were very intelligent and just needed a little guiding. But, administration was horrible. One principal told me, “Don’t bother with these knuckleheads. They’re not going anywhere, anyway.” Another principal expelled my favorite student because he said, “Aah, that’s gay.” Halfway through my chemistry course, personnel transferred me an hour away to a reservation to teach 7th grade science. When I asked personnel what would happen to my chemistry students, she told me, “That’s none of your concern.” They replaced me with a long-term sub with zero science background.
My point: We need districts and principals to support our teachers because teaching inner-city is stressful enough, without having to deal with abusive administration. I wrote a book about the obstacles I fought while teaching, called NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND? THE TRUE STORY OF A TEACHER’S QUEST by Elizabeth Blake, available at Amazon.com. It’s referred to as the Up the Down Staircase of the 21st century. I dealt with gangs, drugs, a riot, shootings, murdered students, and abusive principals. Our teachers in inner-cities need support. It’s stressful. But most of the kids are great.
Hi Elizabeth, You are absolutely right. Many excellent inner city teachers never get the support because of the administration’s low expectations. I have had some excellent principals over the years, but I have also heard horror stories. I like the crystal lesson.