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Kids in Crisis:How to Reach Them So
You Can Teach ThemLaurie Thurston
Communication Across BarriersMarylhurst University
E3: Employers for Education Excellence
Our moral imperative
Achieveme
ntGap
What keeps teachers from reaching
* kids in crisis?* kids in poverty?
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
Overcoming barriers…
•Emotional•Social•Academic•Systemic•Race•Class
Kids in Crisis
Two-way Disclosure
Teacher
Student
Crossroads Program
Gates Chili High School Rochester, NY
Connect with families: do home visits Create a space where everyone is
welcome Commit to equity Create your own “resource backpack”
Summer Planning
Student pictures
Update contact information
Birthdays and journals
Brainstorm year-at-a-glance board
Student-centered classroom environment
That First Week
Focus on relationship building Model what you teach Engage parental involvement Rethink your homework policy Students create classroom community Everyone writes
Getting Started:September
It’s not rocket science…
Relationships
Best Practices
…but it IS working smart
Traditional teaching
Text/print driven Curriculum focused Fixed on outcome Personal = private Teacher centered Emotional disconnect The bell curve reality
Equitable teaching
Multi-media format Standards for all Open to outcome Personal = connection Student centered Emotions are valid Failure is not an option
Reaching kids means taking risks
Crossroads’ Annual Down to Earth Field TripTaking risks inside the classroom is
easier once you’ve taken them outside…
Take learning out of the classroom◦ Field trips, college visits
Bring learning into the classroom◦ Guest speakers, assemblies
Differentiate instruction◦ Oral and print culture styles of learning
Build student “address books”◦ Kids need a starting point to begin navigating
Everyone reflects◦ Regular review of academic and personal goals
More teaching strategies…
There’s a reason why this works…
Learning theories
What ALL teachers must know
• 40 identified internal and external assets in successful young people
• www.search-institute.org
• Antithesis of the Deficit Approach: should focus on skills already in place and build from there. Resiliency can be fostered
• • Those growing up in
poverty who have mentors have a much higher chance attending and being successful in college
• Learn by doing, involve the student in decision making, bring novelty to the learning
Developmental Asset
Theory
Strengths Perspectiv
e & Resiliency
Theory
Mentoring Matters
Experiential and Adult
Learning Theory
www.search-institute.org
Developmental Asset
Theory
Most of these 40 external and internal developmental assets can be fostered within a classroom setting
Asset vs. Deficit Approach
Strengths Perspectiv
e & Resiliency
Theory
Everyone has strengths and resiliency can be fostered…the classroom is a perfect launching point
Relevant, novel, student-choice
Experiential and Adult
Learning Theory
Kids in crisis and those living in the context of poverty make ‘adult’ decisions every day. They thrive in classrooms that allow them ownership, control and an opportunity to be heard…
Mentoring means believing in possibility…
Mentoring
Matters
Beating the Odds: How the Poor Get to College ~ Arthur Levine and Jana Nidiffer
Essential Question:
What can we do today to arm our teachers with the knowledge, skill and will to reach kids living in the crisis of poverty and eliminate the achievement gap?
A good teacher starts by connecting with kids; a great teacher believes each child is capable of learning; the successful teacher meets each student where he or she is in order to help each achieve personal excellence.
It’s not state standards, it’s not curriculum, it’s the teacher. The teacher is the one who makes or breaks each child. It’s the teacher – it’s you – who will determine whether that kid is going to leave your room standing taller than when he first walked in and that much more capable of facing the world after he leaves.
Be that difference.
The last word…
Contact me…
Laurie [email protected]
If you’re interested in the upcoming guidebook, sign the sheet up front or drop me an email. Publication date is later this summer …
I’m also available for teacher workshops and trainings. Contact me at [email protected] Thanks for helping me help teachers make a difference in the lives of kids!!
