high school

When Students Slip Through the Cracks

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There are many teachings and expectations in education that I struggle to fully wrap my head around. Education is supposed to be a systematic, regulated structure formats, frameworks, and standards we are expected to follow. Yet the reality is, not everything fits neatly into those boxes, and not every student does either.

I am a special education teacher in an alternative education school. Our school serves students from ten surrounding districts within our county. We work with students in grades 7 through 12, and the classified disabilities we support include emotional disturbance, learning disabilities, other health impairments (OHI), Tourette’s syndrome, and others.

Our special education classrooms are structured as 8:1:1, while our general education classes can include up to twelve students. We serve students with high-incidence disabilities in one program and students with low-incidence or more severe disabilities in another, based on instructional and support needs. These decisions are not arbitrary they are intentional, because the needs are real and complex.

Every facet of education matters. Curriculum matters. Standards matter. Data matters. But what matters just as much are the students sitting in those classrooms students who come in carrying trauma, instability, frustration, and often a long history of feeling misunderstood or dismissed.

And this is the part that weighs heavy.

If we, as educators, do not do a thorough job if we allow these students to slip through the cracks of the education system the impact does not end at graduation or aging out. These are the same students who are eventually sent out into the real world without the tools, coping skills, or supports they needed all along. The struggle doesn’t disappear; it just shifts. And when it does, it affects all of society.

Education is not just about passing classes or checking off requirements. For many of these students, school is the last structured support system they will have. It is where they learn how to regulate emotions, resolve conflict, communicate, and survive in a world that often isn’t built for them.

No, it’s not okay

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It’s a Catch-22. Speaking your mind. For me it is anyway. I feel there are days when I am invincible and speak my mind about anything and everything. Then there are days that if I think if do I will lose everything.

Abuse is a cycle that can only be broken by the victim who is being abused. It comes in so many different ways. More than you could ever imagine. In some cases, if the abuser is losing control of his/her victim he will then resort to physical abuse.

They prey on the kind and weak to get what they want. Whether it’s control to satisfy their own ego, use of the victim to gain what they need, money to fill their own pockets, they will use their scare tactics to accomplish their own goals at the expense of others well-being.

I know because I am a survivor. Unfortunately though, I see the cycle of abuse being done to someone close to me. All I can do is hope and pray that I can use my strength to make them see right from wrong and what is being done to them is not natural or healthy.

Abuse is NOT okay and it comes in so many forms. When you are treated a certain way and it gives you feelings of being scared, uselessness, uncertainty, worthlessness, hopelessness, please walk away. Those are unhealthy feelings that will destroy your confidence and take away your strength.

Be strong and do whatever it takes to walk away.

Be a successful online learner and/or homeschooled high school student

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I have researched and Googled for tips on how to be a good homeschooled student, but a lot of the links I found were basically geared for parents on how to homeschool your children successfully. I think that for parents, it is hard enough to get you guys in a routine at home to do school work, so some of you might want to take this opportunity to help yourself in becoming a great homeschooler!!

My boys have done online learning for the past 4 years. At first it was very hard to get them into a routine and be diligent about sticking to their schedule, but eventually it just clicked. I had made them an agenda, got them into a routine, and they finally were able to get themselves on track.

It’s not easy and it takes a lot of hard work but after you get into your own routine you will feel different. How you ask? You will feel more independent, self-confident, and overall it will be rewarding. You have the power to help educate yourself and take control of your life.

In the long run you will see so many benefits to doing the work on your own and using your online teachers to guide you. Just think of this as a step in preparing you for college or online distance learning with whatever route you choose to go on.

You can do this! I am here to help you if you have any questions or concerns! I have faith in you all!

Here are some tips that can help you through:

  1. Set your alarm clock. Not too early though! Get your sleep in and remember, you can make your own schedule as long as you make one!
  2. Keep a routine. Get yourself going the same way everyday. Set your alarm, make your bed, brush your teeth, get dressed, and be positive. Everyday is a new day for you to be successful at everything!
  3. Write down a schedule for yourself. If you don’t know where to start, I can help you. I will be following up on how to get organized with your academic schedule.
  4. Pace yourself. You are not in a rush but you need to keep going on a steady pace.
  5. Set your hours. How many assignments and subjects do you have? Ask your teacher for a pacing guide. This will help you determine how much time you have to get an assignment done.
  6. Don’t get overwhelmed. Take a deep breath. Don’t panic. You are not alone and you can definitely do this.
  7. Lastly, use the internet to help you! You have the world at your fingertips! Everything you need to know is right there in front of you! Take advantage of every resource that is provided to you.

I am here if you need help.  Post comments on here and I will check back daily.

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