AT-RISK
DefinitionAn “at-risk” student is generally defined as a student who is likely to fail at school. In this context, school failure is typically seen as dropping out of school before high school graduation. As a result, the characteristics of at-risk students have traditionally been identified through retrospective examinations of high school dropouts’ family and school histories. Those characteristics associated with dropping out of school then become the defining characteristics of at-risk students.
Primary CharacteristicsIndicators at the school level that a student may be at risk of disengaging include:
|
Accommodations & ModificationsDirections or Instructions:
Make sure directions and/or instructions are given in limited numbers. Give directions/instructions verbally and in simple written format. Ask students to repeat the instructions or directions to ensure understanding occurs. Check back with the student to ensure he/she hasn't forgotten. It is a rare event for students at risk to be able to remember more than 3 things at once. Chunk your information, when 2 things are done, move to the next two. Peer Support: Sometimes, all you have to do is assign a peer to help keep a student at risk on task. Peers can help build confidence in other students so take advantage of a learning peer. Many teachers use the 'ask 3 before me' approach. This is fine, however, a student at risk may have to have a specific student or two to ask. Set this up for the student so he/she knows who to ask for clarification before going to you. Assignments: The student at risk will need many assignments modified or reduced. Always ask yourself, 'How can I modify this assignment to ensure the students at risk are able to complete it'. Sometimes you'll simplify the task, reduce the length of the assignment or allow for a different mode of delivery. For instance, many students may hand something in, the at risk student may make jot notes and give you the information verbally. Or, it just may be that you will need to assign an alternate assignment. Increase One to One Time: Students at risk will require more of your time. When other students are working, always touch base with your students at risk and find out if they're on track or needing some additional support. 3-4 minutes here and there will go a long way to intervene as the need presents itself. Contracts: It helps to have a working contract between you and your students at risk. This helps prioritize the tasks that need to be done and ensure completion happens. Each day write down what needs to be completed, as the tasks are done, provide a checkmmark or happy face. The goal for using contracts is to eventually have the student come to you for completion sign offs. You may wish to have reward systems in place also. Hands On: As much as possible, think in concrete terms and provide hands on tasks. This means a child doing math may require a calculator or counters. The child may need to tape record comprehension activities instead of writing them. A child may have to listen to a story being read instead of reading it him/herself. Always ask yourself if the child should have an alternate mode or additional learning materials to address the learning activity. Tests/Assessments: Tests can be done orally if need be. Have an assistant help with testing situations. Break tests down in smaller increments by having a portion of test in the morning, another portion after lunch and the final part the next day. Keep in mind, a student at risk often has a shorten attention span. Seating: Where are your students at risk? Hopefully they are near a helping peer or with quick access to the teacher. Those with hearing or sight issues need to be close to instruction which often means near the front. Resources |