On Monday’s presentation of Students at Risk, I had the opportunity to learn about Project AWARE and listen to personal experiences from administrators and students. What made this talk effective, was that two students, Ramon and Ashley shared their story of how Project AWARE had a positive influence on the choices they now make. They were united with adults that understand their situation and have first-hand knowledge on how to address the issue.
Shannon Garcia from RBVHS truly cares about the students she works with. Some of the things she shared that stuck with me are how horrible she found the “formula” used to give students consequences to be and that behavior is a form of communication. Assigning a punishment that doesn’t fit the student’s need will not be effective. The “punishment” needs to focus on getting these students the help they need in the form of rehabilitation, such as Project AWARE. Too often teachers rush through the material without getting to know the kids they’re working with. I am becoming a teacher so that I can make a difference. Math alone is not going to be the thing that inspires a student to be everything they want to be, it’s the person that’s teaching math who is going to make the difference. Dr. Villarreal and Principal Iglesias supported this as well. Making a connection with each student is so vital and yet so simple to initiate. Although it may take some students time to make that connection, the teacher can start with a simple compliment or sharing a personal experience.
Reggie is the individual who brought Project AWARE to the high school level. During his incarceration, AWARE is what taught him acceptable social skills for today’s society. Reggie explained the importance of teaching my students social skills. The reason for several behaviors is because there is no other way that the student knows how to display what he or she is feeling. This is surprising to me because I was raised to express myself in an appropriate fashion. Everyday when I came home from school my mom would ask, “How was your day?” Everyday when my dad came home from work he would ask, “How was your day?” One word responses were not accepted. I cannot imagine what it is like to not have anyone ask how my day was, or how I am doing. The people around me want to provide me with support all the time, especially on the rough days. There are teens (several teens) that do not have anyone willing to ask them about their day. Five days a week I get the opportunity and the privilege to be that person.
Shannon Garcia from RBVHS truly cares about the students she works with. Some of the things she shared that stuck with me are how horrible she found the “formula” used to give students consequences to be and that behavior is a form of communication. Assigning a punishment that doesn’t fit the student’s need will not be effective. The “punishment” needs to focus on getting these students the help they need in the form of rehabilitation, such as Project AWARE. Too often teachers rush through the material without getting to know the kids they’re working with. I am becoming a teacher so that I can make a difference. Math alone is not going to be the thing that inspires a student to be everything they want to be, it’s the person that’s teaching math who is going to make the difference. Dr. Villarreal and Principal Iglesias supported this as well. Making a connection with each student is so vital and yet so simple to initiate. Although it may take some students time to make that connection, the teacher can start with a simple compliment or sharing a personal experience.
Reggie is the individual who brought Project AWARE to the high school level. During his incarceration, AWARE is what taught him acceptable social skills for today’s society. Reggie explained the importance of teaching my students social skills. The reason for several behaviors is because there is no other way that the student knows how to display what he or she is feeling. This is surprising to me because I was raised to express myself in an appropriate fashion. Everyday when I came home from school my mom would ask, “How was your day?” Everyday when my dad came home from work he would ask, “How was your day?” One word responses were not accepted. I cannot imagine what it is like to not have anyone ask how my day was, or how I am doing. The people around me want to provide me with support all the time, especially on the rough days. There are teens (several teens) that do not have anyone willing to ask them about their day. Five days a week I get the opportunity and the privilege to be that person.