Social issues in the schools

I believe it is the schools responsibility to aid in handling social issues as it does affect student learning.  We were just looking at the school climate chapter and how important it is to create a positive and safe environment. I know that teachers and administrators have a lot of things to teach and handle on a daily basis but if we don’t create an atmosphere conducive to learning then it will be hard for everybody to accomplish their goals. I think it is important to get involved with social issues such as bullying, discrimination, and even abuse inside or outside of the school. I know it isn’t easy but these students need us. They need to feel like they have somebody they can come to, trust, and help them handle issues they can’t deal with on their own.

When students don’t want to come to school because they are afraid of what might happen to them there is a serious problem. In some instances school is the only place where students can feel nurtured and safe outside of what is going on in their community. If we don’t help provide the opportunity for students to learn in a safe open environment students will turn to other means to survive.  As we saw in the video students may turn to crime, drugs, violence, or even suicide to help them cope with these social issues. We have the ability to touch and change the lives of children daily and we should do what we can to help them! Also by getting other students involved in creating the change is important because they will be able to relate to the students on a different level.  Then not only are we implementing yet another policy but we are creating a cooperative learning environment.  Then the more people you get involved the higher success rate of the policy or program.  By giving students, teachers, and even parents duties and responsibilities to help one another gives them a sense of importance and value needed to make a positive environment.

Schools can’t do it all by themselves but it is important to start the process and then involve as many other people as you can to help your initiative. There are community workers, different agencies, and programs to help create a good school climate. If we teach our students how to respond to these social problems then the more time we have to teach and create lifelong learners. I agree with the video we must invest in our students now rather than later in a negative aspect. Get involved first and create the environment that you would want your students and staff to work in.  As I read in the principal book, strong school cultures equal motivated teachers! When you have motivated teachers you tend to have motivated students.