http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/to-keep-teenagers-alert-schools-let-them-sleep-in/
This article discusses an adolescent student in Columbia, Missouri who successfully advocated to have her high school's start time pushed back to 8:30 am instead of moved forward to 7:25 am. The student first got the idea to take action from her AP History class, and she was able to collect research and advocate to the school board for this change. Later start times for high school students have been studied extensively, and this article highlights some of the benefits (fewer athletic injuries and traffic accidents, fewer tardies and absences). Though the research has been substantiated time and time again, few school districts have actually changed their start times. More often than not, high schools start first and elementary and middle schools start one-two hours later. As a school social worker advocating for the best interest of all students, it is important to examine the physical and emotional health benefits of allowing teenagers to get the recommended 8-9 hours of sleep while also connecting increased sleep to better academic outcomes. It is also important that we empower our students to advocate for themselves, not only at the micro level (for themselves), but also at the mezzo and macro levels (to create community and systemic change). How can social workers who work with children and teens teach our young clients to advocate for themselves at these levels?
I think this is a very good point and is an excellent skill to teach kids. It makes me think of the saying "Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time". By teaching these kids to advocate for themselves and for things they believe in we would be helping to change the world in a much greater way.
ReplyDeleteAs Social Workers, we can cite this example as we encourage youth to become more self aware to challenge those who determine school policies. The student chose to substantiate her opinion with evidence. Through the effective use of social media, she challenged her peers to join her in influencing the school board decision making process. I believe this article is a good example of systems coming together, hearing one another to impact what appeared to be for the greater good.
ReplyDeleteI think teaching students to self advocate would be a great idea and very helpful in the end. This could be done in ways such as teaching it through/with the curriculum and all staff members are on board and encourage this idea. It could be taught through the development of lessons by the school social worker as well as forming a possible in school or after school group to help encourage this idea. I think there are many times kids want to express themselves or get their views/concerns across but usually do it in a way which in the end is not successfully or expressed right. This tool can be used within the school environment as well as outside of the school environment.
ReplyDeleteI have often wondered why schools are so adamant about keeping start times so early, but I also have not heard much about anyone advocating for that change. You're right, it is crucial to empower, and to teach students to advocate for themselves. As school social workers it is our duty to help teach that skill, but I also think we need to be reaching out to teachers and other staff members, providing training to them on how to teach advocacy skills.
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