How would information on 'at risk students' be relevant to classrooms today?

Question

How would information on 'at risk students' be relevant to classrooms today?

Answer 1

Knowing whether a student is "at risk" or not can help the teacher better understand where a student is coming from and what circumstances they live with.  That makes it much easier to understand the whole child and better support their learning.

Answer 2

It would help the teacher to be somewhat compassionate during a confrontation with a student who is out of control, or in a 'state'.  

It helps with understanding  the kids and the situations surrounding them.

Answer 3

Academically at risk--The teacher can identify what areas the student needs help with and the best strategies to help the student.

Emotionally/Behaviorally at risk--The teacher can be prepared to deal with the student in class in situations of fights, anger, frustration, fears, etc.

At risk of not finishing school--The teacher can work with the student to help them complete high school and receive a diploma or GED.

Answer 4

There is usually a file for teacher's information on all students, regarding their allergies, previous behavioural problems or home problems. It would also contain info  about children who are not living with both their natural parents, such as  who has custody, who has care and control, is there anyone the child should not be allowed to leave school with etc. These notes are confidential but are there to help teachers provide the best care possible for their students. 20 years ago it was simple - X has epilepsy, if they have a fit do this -  -  - . Nowadays with the increasing breakdown in family life  the information can be very involved. e.g. Annie's parents are divorced, mum has custody but dad also has care and control and must be involved in all decisions and be given a separate school report. or John's parents are divorced, dad has custody and care and control. John must not be allowed to leave school with mum. School guidance staff often have to work very closely with the children's panel and courts to protect the child's interests.

Answer 5

at risk is such a broad term that it is almost meaningless today...what are they at risk of?...the term originally was intended to classify dangerous students who were disruptive or non-cooperative...then it became a euphemism for kids who used drugs or were in danger of getting pregnant and not graduating...now it is applied to students who are very low skilled...it would help teachers to know specific disabilities/disadvantages more than just the fact that the student is "at risk"...judgements need to include a picture of the whole student...