I truly believe that our country’s future and survival depends on our educational policies to change. It is imperative that those who have been disengaged and forgotten in our schools be given other opportunities. We cannot keep building prisons. It was very interesting to read about the programs that have been started through online learning.
One area that caught my attention was the comment made that, “While school administrators might have an idea which students are at risk of dropping out, they often lack the definite indicators warranting intervention. Hence the need for adding early warning signs reporting to local data systems.” (2010) I think most elementary teachers could give the administrators some early indicators of at risk behavior that could potentially lead to dropping out: namely tardiness and absenteeism. Even as young as second or third grade, if a student has difficulty making it to school on time or are chronically absent it sets a precedent that school is not important and not a priority. Granted parental responsibility comes in play here, but if the guardians of these children are not acting responsibly than I feel teachers and administrators need to empower these students to take it upon themselves to want to come to school.
I am certainly not naïve enough to think that getting children to want to come to school will be the answer to it all. I know each case is different and far more complicated than any child should ever have to face so I was intrigued by the steps Michigan has implemented to help reduce the drop out rate. The fact that students are supervised in these virtual classrooms does calm some of my fears. The image of students who already have had difficulty in the school setting given the opportunity for online learning like we have, setting our own pace, being responsible about deadlines is a disaster waiting to happen. I looked at the “Not School” website and despite sounding like a commercial it did looked well organized and credible. It was a relief to know this online learning environment had some basis in research and experience.
I hope the steam does not run out on these programs that can support and provide a future for these disenfranchised young people. Michigan has so many other serious economic problems I hope that they do not forsake these students. Because if it does, then one can guarantee that they will become economic burdens of our state.
Bibliography:
Umstead, Bruce with Grigg, Kyle. “Michigan Uses Online Learning to Reach At Risk Students”. June 6, 2010. eschool news.com. Retrieved September 27, 2010 from http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/06/02/michigan-uses-online-learning-to-reach-at-risk-students/
I agree that the quote from this article about how administrators are not sure what the indicators are for students who have a higher likelihood of dropping out is interesting. I do not see how that it really possible. I can think of some right now: absence from class, bad behavior, students who say that they "don't like school" or just have a general lack on interest, and students who lack confidence in their abilities.
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