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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

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at-risk

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Sex under the influence
The use of alcohol and other drugs increases the risk for unplanned, unprotected sex. This action exposes young people to HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy. The lesson engages students in the decision-making process regarding risk and checks their understanding of behaviors that put them at risk.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Healthful Living)
By Kathy Crumpler.
It's all about choice
Students will examine the different choices they make as supporting or undermining their intent to remain abstinent, including the affect of substance use on those choices.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Healthful Living)
By Kathy Crumpler.
To know them is to teach them
We must maintain high standards and expectations, incorporate students' experiences into the curriculum, and use culturally relevant materials.
By Barbara Rush.
Get real!
When teaching computer proficiency to at-risk students, make classroom lessons relevant to their lives and take account of different learning styles.
By Skip Thibault.
Deficit thinking
In Bridging Spanish language barriers in Southern schools, page 4.2
Teachers frequently attribute the academic struggles of English language learners to the students' inability or unwillingness to learn English, but this "deficit thinking" can better be replaced by a focus on what immigrant students bring to the classroom.
By Buck Cooper.

Find all 21 resources in our collection.

A term used to describe students at risk of educational failure as a result of challenges ranging from a lack of adequate service from school or social service organizations to negative life events such as socioeconomic or physical/mental challenges.

Additional information

The term at-risk has changed from one that blames students for whatever life circumstances disadvantage them in schooling (for instance, language, culture, family situation, economic status, or race/ethnicity) to one that considers the intersection of student circumstances and a school’s ability to meet student needs in a way that supports the student’s social, emotional and intellectual development.

Examples and resources

Get real!, LEARN NC article, discusses teaching computer proficiency to at-risk students by making classroom lessons relevant to their lives and taking account of different learning styles.