An article titled "At-Risk Need a Mix of Good Teachers, Social Service Help" written by Jay Matthews of the Washington Post bring the story of a young foster care student navigating her academic potential despite her impoverished circumstances. This article is a welcome acknowledgement that many of our children and youth are falling through the cracks because additional services beyond those found within most schools are necessary for many students who struggle to get basic necessities on a regular basis, let alone get to and retain information from school.
The young lady featured in this story is from Alexandria Va. However, where there is one there are many more in Washington D.C.. The issue of child and youth homelessness and aging out of foster care students has been a persistent barrier to a better life. Though there are federal mandates that REQUIRE service delivery, dysfunctional systems and agencies are only now collaborating to begin working toward said service delivery options.
They are children on the margins, easy to ignore. It is good to remember that many public servants, both educators and social workers, spend their lives bringing such kids into the center of life in America. Once they have that opportunity, the chances are they will, like Karen Kaldenbach, return that favor in a big way.
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YES I MOST DEFINITELY AGREE THAT AT RISK KIDS NEED MORE ATTENTION. THE KIDS WHO HAVE STABLE HOMES AND BACKGROUNDS RECEIVE OR SHOULD RECIEVE THE NECESSARY BACKING TO SUCEED OR TO BECOME A POSITIVE MEMBER OF SOCIETY AT LEAST. THE SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS ARE GIVEN THE BURDEN OF PRODUCING PRODUCTIVE MEN AND WOMEN OUT OF THESE YOUNG BOYS AND GIRLS.
ReplyDeleteit is very sad thing to see childre who did not ask to come to the world suffer. many times, children are being brought up in very bad conditions and the society doesn't have a clue as to what's really going on. teachers need to be more focused in understanding children and not just worried about the lesson plan for the day. when the teacher is able to perceive that there is a proble with a child, he can bring it to the attention of a social worker. obviously the children are not getting their care elsewhere. if someone like a teacher or social worker steps in, it shouldn't be a problem.
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