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College and Career Ready...emotionally and socially?
I read this article through my "counselor" hat, I must admit. Nonetheless, I found it especially poignant for me today! As my seniors count down the hours they have left, I notice that some of them are still asking the question, "What do I do with the rest of my life??"
The teacher who wrote about Brenda in this article stated that she is not surprised that this young woman--who she first met in the third grade--is graduating from college. Many would be surprised because Brenda comes from an environment in which many kids don't graduate high school, let alone college. However, Brenda was lucky enough to be one of 48 middle school kids who had an exceptional teacher for three years...and this teacher is determined to make it to as many of their college graduations as she can!
Elena Aguilar tells Brenda's story...and her own...and comes to the conclusion that we need to do more in middle school to prepare students emotionally and socially for higher levels of education. I happen to agree, and I also think that we need to continue that education in high school. I am scared for some of "my" seniors this year; they are kids who have little idea of how to "think for themselves" or "handle" an emotional crisis. I worry about what college may or may not do for them. In these times of testing and retesting, what are we doing to prepare kids for life??
It is a scary thought for those students who aren't prepared. As an educator, you can't do it all but you can make a difference in at least one child's life. I was fortunate enough to have parents to guide me in that area of my life, but all students don't. If each person takes a student under their wings and offer guidance it would certainly help.
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