Meeting Diverse Student Needs in Urban Schools: Research-Based Recommendations for School Personnel Presented by Gina Dimartino Alan A. Arroyo, Randy Rhoad, and Priscilla Drew Source: Preventing School Failure 43no4 145-53 Summ 1999

Key Influences on Student Underachievement Teacher Behavior Teacher Expectations Curriculum Relevance Class Size Disengagement from School-Related Activities Confidence in the Student’s Ability to Achieve High Mobility in School Attendance Parental Expectations and Involvement Level of Parents’ Education Poverty or Low Income

Teacher Classroom Behavior Get to know student Focus on the positive Believing in student Show respect ,support , & encouragement Caring, experienced teachers

Teacher Expectations for Student Achievement of Realistic Standards High expectations Call on students regularly & frequently Give time to answer Communicate capability Opportunity to achieve

Curriculum Relevance to Students Personal Lives and Circumstances Instruction is uninteresting & unchallenging Students view as dull, passive, and unimportant Group activities Relate to learner’s interests, experiences, and prior learning Connect real life to curriculum

Class Size Smaller classes especially in early grades 20 students or less Schools within schools Cooperative learning

Student Disengagement Behavior Students are less motivated in learning process Positive effects of homework Involvement in school and community activities Community activities at school

Lack of Student Confidence in Ability to Achieve Confidence is highly predictive of academic performance Successful: hard work Unsuccessful: uncontrollable circumstances Teachers role

Family Mobility Less time to establish academic routine Less opportunity to develop relationships with teachers and peers Behind academically Intervention: one-to-one tutoring Isolation and disconnect from community Engage in extracurricular school activities

Parental Expectations and Involvement Parental support Parents’ attitude Parental expectation Parental involvement: Different levels School support of parent involvement

Level of Parent Education Parental education is positively related to level of achievement in children Schools: increase level of participation and raise expectations of students

Poverty-Low Income Low income status: High drop out rate Stress can affect child’s ability to perform Lack quiet, orderly places to study Parents not monitoring study time Malnourished, sleep deprived Preoccupied with stress from home

Recommendations Caring, skilled, experienced teachers with high expectations Ongoing professional development to help teachers communicated with families of diverse cultures Make curriculum & instruction more interesting and meaningful Reorganize schools & classrooms into smaller units

More Recommendations Homework and extracurricular activities Increase students’ confidence & expectations Encourage positive connections for new students & parents Provide tutoring for mobile students Increase parental involvement: Training & development activities Improve parent skills through trainings & classes