Based on my frequent interactions and observations of Student 7, I believe he has a negative disposition on academics and displays stubborn and defiant behavior when challenged or pushed academically. I have come to the conclusion that this behavior is indirectly affecting his reading ability. As stated in (School Psychology Perspectives, Sept. 1996, "Student Attitudes Greatly Affect Reading by Joann Mullen, PH.D; School Psychologist) an important factor which can have a highly significant impact upon a child's success in reading, yet may be frequently overlooked, is the child's attitude toward reading. For example, a child who enjoys reading will probably read for pleasure and spend more free time reading. As a result, a child with a positive attitude toward reading will have an increased opportunity to build vocabulary and comprehension. Furthermore, a child who likes to read, will tend to be more attentive and focused when completing reading assignments.
On the other hand, a child who dislikes reading will probably only read when required or may refuse to read altogether. This negative attitude may significantly affect a child's reading development and progress as well as impact a child's academic success in general. Since the time spent with some form of reading activity generally encompasses a substantial portion of the child's school day, a child's dislike for reading can have a pervasive effect throughout the child's entire academic program. This is such a true statement based on my observation of Student 7. I say this because getting him to read and focus on what is reading is such a daunting task.
Other obstacles that can cause Student 7 to be an at-risk student is the absence of a positive male role model and he is from a single parent home which puts him at a disadvantage economically. Mom is a single parent but she has a live in significant other. I am lead to believe that this male figure in Student 7 life does not work and therefore is not productive. Student 7 does not need someone in his life who has a relationship strategy only dating women with children because they are available and probably desperate. Student 7 needs men who are consistently there for him, who model good behavior and values, and who consistently care for loved ones.
The principle issues with single parenting are a division of labor and poverty. Two parents can share parenting responsibilities and often provide two incomes, which can lift many families out of poverty. Families headed by single parents face economic challenges that are mitigated by two incomes. Ohio State University announced a study by Sun and Li, which made the following findings. Results showed that young adults who grew up in stable post-divorce families had similar chances of attending college and living in poverty compared to those from always married families. But they fared less well on measures of the highest degree obtained, occupational prestige and income. However, the young adults who lived in unstable family situations did worse on all measures. In fact, they fared more than twice as poorly on most measures compared to their peers who had stable family situations. Compared to always-married parents, single parents didn't talk to their children as much about school-related matters, had fewer interactions with other parents, and moved their children to new schools more often. In addition, after a family disruption, parents may not invest as much time with teachers and other parents in the community, all of which lead to a lower level of child well-being.
This leads me to question the parenting styles of the primary caregivers (mother and maternal grandmother) in Student 7's life. Mother's parenting style is more on the indulgent side of the parenting spectrum while grandmother appears to be an authoritative parent. I will not judge the way someone chooses to raises their child but I do know children learn by watching and modeling what they see. Mother is very laid back when it comes to the discipline of the child yet she is supportive of his education. Let me rephrase what I just stated, she is more reactive than proactive when it comes to Student 7's education. I only see concerns when bad progress reports go home. There is also the question, "why is he failing?" when it has been told over and over again, "he is not reading on grade level." Grandmother is very confrontational and wants to question everything about child's academic progress. I believe he gets his attitude from grandmother.
What really interests me about Student 7 and the reason I chose him for my case study is the fact that he attended charter schools up until mid third grade. I would have bet my money on Student 7 being ahead of his peers but that is not the case. It appears to be gaps in Student 7's learning. Based on Margaret Raymond, director at Stanford's University's Center for Research on Education Outcomes reported in June that most charter schools deliver academic results that are worse or no better than student accomplishments in regular public schools. She relied on test data from 15 states. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, a federally funded series of tests known as the nation's report card, offers one gauge. The latest results show that fourth-graders in charter schools scored 231 in mathematics on a 500-point scale in 2009, up from 228 in 2003. Fourth graders in regular public schools scored 239 this year, up from 234 in 2003. Thirty-seven percent of charter schools had smaller gains in math than regular public schools, while seventeen percent of charter schools had superior gains. Forty-six percent had no significant difference.
The information I have gathered on Student 7 presents me with more unanswered questions. I want to find out more about his home life, what really dives him, and what charter school did he attend. And I know as I get these questions answered more questions will come to mind.
