Understanding and Reaching The Wounded Student NAESP Conference April 10, 2010 Houston, Texas Joseph A. Hendershott Hope 4 The Wounded, LLC joe@hope4thewounded.org 419-606-7037

Who Are They? Low Academic Achievers At-Risk Wounded Students Low Self-Esteem Bullies Quiet Type Dropouts Attendance Problems Etc.

Current Programs Is there a need to reach the wounded students in your school district? Do your programs build self – esteem? Are your programs designed for punishment or teachable moments? Is there training to understand the students who are wounded? Who is the expert in your district on reaching these students and their academic needs?

Questions What does a wounded student look like? Why address wounded students? How do we address the wounded student?

Self -Esteem *Do we have self-worth, self-confidence, self-respect? *Feeling of harmony and peace within yourself. *Four conditions of self-esteem: Connectivness, Uniqueness, Power, Models Redenbach, 1998

The One-Third Model Academic Minded Survivor Wounded

Wounded Students Struggles with emotions, behavior issues, and with academics.

Dropout Rates What is the national dropout rate? What is the dropout rate in your school?

Mission for Reaching the Bottom Third This should talk about the school’s core values to reach all its customers/students. What is it that you do that sets you apart from everyone else? What goals do you have for all your students?

Vision What is the ideal or dream that you have for all your students to reach academic success? It’s not about guilt; it is about vision. (Wardle, 2009) How do you see the future for these students in your school? Vision should: Empower, Focus, Strengthen Team, Redesign the Organization’s Goals, Cause You to Dream, Encourage Everyone in the Organization

Parent support # 1 Influence in a child’s life. Develop programs that include and requires parent participation and involvement. What programs are in place to invite parents into your school, especially with wounded students?

Community Support Can your community agencies help provide training for working with your bottom third? Training is needed in the following areas: *At-Risk *Wounded Students *Esteem Building *Alternative Discipline *De-escalation Skills *Bullying

Children of Abuse, Trauma, Neglect Does your staff have an understanding of how these issues relate to teaching and learning? How does your school service these issues?

Stress and Learning How does stress affect achievement and learning? Do your classroom and school rules create stress?

Research About The Wounded Student How does this relate to the national studies and why we are losing a third of our students? What can we do differently?

“ I am not concerned that you have fallen; I am concerned that you arise”. ~ Abraham Lincoln, Sixteenth President

Teachable Moments Never turn over your power during a teachable moment.

Alternative Discipline Can students take advantage of us or a situation? Does your discipline policy speak to redeeming qualities? What is your window of opportunity for the teachable moment?

Service Programs Provide community and school service programs as alternatives to suspension. Keeps students in school. Builds self-esteem. Takes advantage of the teachable moment. Allows students to experience success. Self-confidence is built. Self-discipline follows. Focuses on the future. Teaches leadership skills.

Reflection Once a teachable moment has occurred, allow time for reflection. Reflection is a key component to achievement. Have students write a one to two page reflection paper about what they experienced. Have the teachers write down the project completed and reflection on what was accomplished.

Other Things to Consider Provide positive feedback when it is appropriate. Make learning relevant. Make learning interesting. Provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills. Help foster a no failure attitude with students. Is the training on going? Be willing to crawl in the ditch with them during a teachable moment. Don’t turn your power over during a teachable moment. Ask what questions instead of why questions when dealing with behavior.

Other Things to Consider, Continued: Some Rules are Non-Negotiable- Make sure rules are clear and keep everyone safe. De-escalation training for all staff members. Do your policies create stress. *Know your limitations. Always get professional help when dealing with issues beyond your training or understanding.

Reaching The Wounded Student “ There’s nothing so rewarding as to make people realize they are worthwhile in this world.” ~ Bob Anderson, English Poet

Final Thoughts Change or fundamental redesign? Keep parents involved at all times Academic achievement is possible for all students. Restore hope. Help all children to dream of a beautiful life.