School – Chapter Overview history and current state of schooling for adolescents in the United States history and current state of schooling for adolescents in the United States characteristics of effective schools, and the effects of school climate characteristics of effective schools, and the effects of school climate effects of family environments and friends’ influence on adolescent achievement. effects of family environments and friends’ influence on adolescent achievement. engaging the student engaging the student factors leading to school dropout and related prevention programs. factors leading to school dropout and related prevention programs. the emerging adult in college and university. the emerging adult in college and university.

The Rise of Schooling Compulsory education for adolescents is a recent advent in America (and in other Western countries)

American Education System Most decisions about education are on state/local level (high variability) Most decisions about education are on state/local level (high variability) 2001 – “No Child Left Behind Act” passed - -provided federal funding for national testing, teacher training standards and evaluation 2001 – “No Child Left Behind Act” passed - -provided federal funding for national testing, teacher training standards and evaluation Still, only 5% of school funding is provided by the federal government Still, only 5% of school funding is provided by the federal government

Effective Schools: Does Size Matter? Size of classroom? Size of classroom? Mixed findings, although small class size preferable for students with academic difficulties, more individual attentionMixed findings, although small class size preferable for students with academic difficulties, more individual attention Large vs. Small schools Large vs. Small schools Advantages and Disadvantages?Advantages and Disadvantages? Is there an optimum school size?Is there an optimum school size? students? students?

School Climate Includes….the kinds of interactions teachers and students have in the classroom, expectations of standards, methods used in the classroom…. Includes….the kinds of interactions teachers and students have in the classroom, expectations of standards, methods used in the classroom…. How would one assess the school climate in a middle school or high school?

Optimum School Climate Supportive teachers, involved with students, dedicated Supportive teachers, involved with students, dedicated Firm but fair discipline Firm but fair discipline High expectations for student performance and conduct High expectations for student performance and conduct -Higher attendance -Higher achievement scores -Lower rates of delinquency

Engagement and Achievement Engagement: Being psychologically committed to learning

American High School Students’ School Engagement Two approaches to research on adolescents’ school experiences (Focus Box, p. 331) Research indicates that more and more, students are “physically present but psychologically absent” (Steinberg, 1996, p. 67)

Steinberg (1996) asserts that to change American adolescents’ school performance, Americans would have to change their beliefs about what should be required of adolescents. Steinberg (1996) asserts that to change American adolescents’ school performance, Americans would have to change their beliefs about what should be required of adolescents. Do you think more should be required of American adolescents in high school? Why or why not? Do you think more should be required of American adolescents in high school? Why or why not? What other changes need to made? What other changes need to made? Discussion

What enhances “Engagement”? (research findings) Positive school climate Positive school climate Peers and friends who are engaged in learning Peers and friends who are engaged in learning Parents’ involvement in their adolescent child’s education; parenting style and expectations Parents’ involvement in their adolescent child’s education; parenting style and expectations

High School Dropout By the year 2000, what percentage of young people had not obtained a high school diploma by age 24? 11% Factors Associated with Dropout? Repeating a grade History of school difficulties Active, aggressive, high-sensation seeking personality Having a Learning Disability Girls – having a child during adolescence Parents’ education and income Parents who have dropped out Low income – lower school quality Single-parent familyLarge schoolSchool Climate

The College Experience How college affects students (classmates’ presentation) How college affects students (classmates’ presentation) Subcultures in college? (p. 348 box) Subcultures in college? (p. 348 box) What are the factors associated with a satisfying college educational experience? (see p ) Reflect on your own experience. What are the factors associated with a satisfying college educational experience? (see p ) Reflect on your own experience.