Geometry of Bridges
Michael Golia
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Give FeedbackAt Risk Students
The student population of New Haven is a diverse group, some of which can be identified as "at risk students." The loose definition of these adolescents is students in danger of failing to complete their education with the skills necessary to survive in a modern technological society. Statistics reveal that urban areas have many students who exhibit at-risk characteristics such as the following: low self-esteem, male, minority, non-native English speaking, divorced families, transients, and inner city students. All the problems that accompany these students are too numerous to mention but among them are: high dropout rate, high rates of drug use, low grades etc..
Effective instruction for at-risk students means challenging assignments. The effective program stresses high expectation, and academic focus, continuous monitoring of progress, and strong parental involvement. Effective programs prevent problems by being flexible and adaptive to student needs rather than merely providing remedial learning. Effective teachers have high expectations and use a variety of instructional and motivational strategies. The teacher shows a sincere interest in the students' lives. The overall theme of this unit gives the students the necessary skills to find information on bridges and to use the information to build their own bridge.