[Author’s Name]
[Institution’s Name]
Essay on Students at Risk
Issues that adversely affect the whole of society also present barriers to the progress and achievement of students enrolled in schools. While some barriers arise from situations that are beyond the control of the school the obligation to overcome barriers to student learning spans the boundaries between the school and its community. Because schooling is compulsory, the needs of students who cannot of their own volition legally opt out of schooling should not be ignored. Schools have a responsibility to take steps to overcome risks to student achievement and safety, which include:
- Absenteeism;
- The use of drugs;
- Disturbed, disruptive, violent and anti social behavior; and
- Poor mental and physical health.
The school's core business is to provide teaching and learning programmes that promote high levels of achievement for all students. The responsibility of the school for eliminating these barriers has implications for the content and management of curriculum as well as for the maintenance of a safe environment. While school goals and objectives are educational, schools also need to acknowledge that educational achievement is linked to broad aspects of student health and well-being. For example a student's ability to learn is significantly affected by substance abuse, poor hearing, depression or a school climate that induces fear. Coming back to school after a long absence or starting a new school is difficult. Students want to make friends and know their way around.................
