What does it mean to be an "at-risk" student?
Which students are considered "at-risk"? According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), "An “at-risk” student is generally defined as a student who is likely to fail at school" (http://nces.ed.gov/pubs92/92042.pdf, accessed Feb. 2014). What defines failure? In Kentucky a quick glance at any district report card will show differences, or 'gaps' in performances on tests between learners identified by race, socio-economic status, migrant, native language or citizenship status, and disability status. These gaps may indicate to some that students of a certain group are "at-risk". What is wrong with this definition? This definition does every student an injustice. Take for example a student who does not fall into one of these groups but still fails. After all, not being a part of a 'gap' group doesn't ensure success. Does that mean that a student who is not part of one of these groups is NOT at risk? Furthermore, isn't the definition, to include only school academic failure, too narrow? So many students who excel at school struggle from a standpoint of social or emotional well-being. |
What should educators do?
We would propose to consider ALL students and their needs when thinking of at risk learners. While we continue to try to work with students who are struggling, why wait for students to fail and identify themselves through failures as at-risk? Rather, design educational programs to meet the needs of ALL students!
We would propose to consider ALL students and their needs when thinking of at risk learners. While we continue to try to work with students who are struggling, why wait for students to fail and identify themselves through failures as at-risk? Rather, design educational programs to meet the needs of ALL students!