At-risk students are those who, due to environmental circumstances, family history, developmental issues or behavioral problems, are at a higher risk of dropping out of school, performing poorly, or experiencing or contributing to violence.
There’s no single method all schools use for dealing with at-risk students, and some schools have better policies and procedures for helping students at risk than others. Effective strategies include early discovery of at-risk status, early intervention, proper teacher training and excellent alternative educational programs.
At-Risk Status
Students who are at risk might have a diversity of problems. Some may be children with developmental delays such as autism or mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. Environmental and family issues such as extreme poverty, a parent’s substance abuse or incarceration or a history of abuse can also heighten a student’s risk of dropping out, having trouble at school and behavioral problems. Teen pregnancy, substance abuse, excessive drinking, a history of arrests or learning disabilities can also put students at risk.
At-Risk Assessments
Most teachers receive a basic background in developmental milestones, educational strategies, behavioral problems and warning signs as part of their degrees and teacher certification. In many schools, a teacher is the first point of contact for at-risk students, and teachers may advise principals, parents or school counselors of a student’s problems. Behavioral assessments, counseling services, personality testing and similar measures can all help evaluate a student’s risk. Student self-reports of abuse, trauma, addiction and similar issues can also provide schools with a window into a student’s at-risk status.
Early Intervention
Early intervention is key for helping at-risk students because it makes certain that they don’t experience a snowball effect of cascading problems. Particularly with young children, early intervention services, such as counseling, medication, family services, placement with a guardian, school lunch programs and tutoring, can help counteract the effects of a host of problems. Most schools try to detect at-risk students early and institute programs and plans to help them before problems get out of control. These programs may need parental involvement by enrolling a child in counseling or helping a child get medication, or they may be completely school-based, such as tutoring programs or support groups.
Resources and Treatment
Many schools offer in-school resource programs for at-risk students. For example, pregnant students might attend special classes that teach them to get by with parenting while finishing school. Students with special needs may get extra tutoring or participate in special needs programs. Students who have problems at home might get in-school counseling, or the school might call child protective services. Some schools have more programs than others, and schools that are ill-equipped to manage students who are at risk may refer students to outside services or recommend a transfer to another school.
Alternative Education
Some schools are designed specifically for at-risk students. They may include special high schools for students who have dropped out or missed too many classes and schools for students with a history of behavioral or legal problems. Some school districts place special needs students into special needs schools. Private schools are also an option. Some are accessible for students with unique educational needs, disabilities, a history of behavior problems or mental health issues.