There are many reasons why students don't do well in school. Sometimes it's related to, for example, learning challenges, an 1 to connect with an instructor, or simply being bored.
These reasons are relevant to me as a former at-risk student. In the 10th grade, I failed 6 of 7 classes because I didn't 2 with the teacher's teaching method, and 3 with students who didn't care about school. As a result, I 4 10th grade and was assigned to Ms. Felder's office.
Ms. Felder made it clear that my 5 behavior wouldn't be allowed. She also provided a(n)6 direction that I didn't want, but really needed at that time. Our ongoing conversations didn't
7 change my behavior, although it was the first time an educator showed any 8 for me.
The previous school year I didn't receive any offer of 9 from my teachers. The 10 during my second attempt at 10th grade was Ms. Felder—who was everywhere I didn't want her to be. She was always in my 11: checking-in, providing guidance, and supporting my growth. I didn't want her 12, but it's one of the best things that happened in my life. This seemingly 13 year with Ms. Felder made a change in my thinking and behavior, 14 unfortunately it would take many years before my performance and expectations for myself would slowly change.
My 15 journey was very difficult. Part of the reason that I 16 pushing forward was that I17 that Ms. Felder told me to do better and have higher expectations for myself. After many years of academic 18, I graduated with my undergraduate degree from a famous university;"Ms. Felder: Thank you for being there, supporting this once 19 youth. Please know that the lessons you taught me are now 20 with at-risk students through my work to help them to be and do better, too."
