School Based Efforts: A Plan to Support At-Risk Youth Nina Franklin EDU 644: Child & Family Welfare Dr. Karen Conzett June 4th, 2015

Background For this presentation, I have assumed the role of the Family School Advocate who has been at an elementary school for the last 3 years. The intended audience is a group of parents as well as community members and organizations. The purpose is to inform the audience of the various characteristics of youth at-risk as well, construct ways to overcome the students difficult circumstances, and implement a long term plan.

Indicators of Youth At-Risk (National Center for School Engagement) Homeless or transient Involved in drugs or alcohol Abused sexually, physically, or emotionally Mentally ill Students with learning disabilities Neglected at home/stressful living environment Lacking social or emotional support Involved with delinquent peers Multiple unexcused absences from school

Youth At Risk Cont. (Ldonline.org) Behaviors Short and Long Term Implications Repeated disciplinary issues Alienation/isolation from peers Poor school performance Depression Bullying/Harassment Destructive/careless behavior School drop out Runaway Teenage pregnancy Juvenile delinquency Long term substance abuse Unemployment

Creating Solutions Identify the most common issue Find what drives students to succeed Eliminate the frequent suspensions Identify the most common issue Identify the most common issue: Although students may display an arrangement of issues, the school should pin point which characteristic students display most frequently. Eliminate frequent suspensions: Many suggest that “pushing” students out of the school when in trouble is the most ineffective way to keep them out of trouble. Find what drives students to succeed: Though many students of this generation are intrinsically motivated, what will be the determining factor to help them get their priorities back on track?

Integrating a Framework Creating a School Improvement Plan A School Improvement Plan is a detailed document created at the beginning of the school year with goals and accompanying strategies that the school strives to follow. The creation of this plan involves the assistance of the principal, teachers, parents, and community members The plan also sets up S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) goals in areas such as academics, community involvement, youth development, etc. (CMS, http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/CMSDEPARTMENTS/EC/Pages/default.aspx) To see an example of a School Improvement Plan, follow the link below SampleActionPlan.pdf

Participant Activity Let’s Play 4 Corners! After hearing the statements on the next slide read aloud, move to a corner of the room that best represents how you feel (Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Agree, Strongly Agree). Remain in the center of the room if you feel neutral. After moving to the best respective corner, consider sharing your thoughts publicly with the rest of the group to initiate discussion.

Participant Activity Statements I feel knowledgeable about my definition of “youth at-risk”. Without proper intervention/remediation, youth at-risk can face severe short and long term consequences. I feel comfortable supporting schools and communities in improving the rate of youth at-risk using the suggested solutions. I feel comfortable assisting with the creation of a school improvement plan. There are a wide variety of resources available to the public on youth at-risk reform.

References Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District (2015). Retrieved from http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/CMSDEPARTMENTS/EC/Pages/default.aspx Morrison, G., & Cosden, M. (1997). Risk, resilience, and adjustment of individuals with learning disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 20, 43-60. Retrieved from http://www.ldonline.org/article/6174/ National Center for School Engagement. (n.d.). Serving at-risk youth. Retrieved from http://schoolengagement.org/school-engagement-services/at-risk-youth Rubin, A. (2012). Clinician’s guide to evidence-based practice: Programs and interventions for maltreated children and families at risk. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons. Western Association for Schools and Colleges. (n.d). School Improvement. Retrieved from http://www.acswasc.org/school_improvement.htm