School%20Connectedness:%20Obstacles%20and%20Solutions%20%20(Willmar%20Workshop)

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School Connectedness Obstacles and Solutions
(Willmar Workshop)

• Robert Wm. Blum, MD, MPH, PhD
• William H. Gates Sr. Professor and Chair
• Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Lynn Michael Blum, MS PhD
• Adjunct Assistant Professor
• Department of Mental Health

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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School Connectedness Obstacles and Solutions
(Willmar Workshop)
Obstacle Solution
Difficult Students Find some area of common interest
Time Use class meeting for collectively addressing issues Eat lunch with students Walk down hallways with students between classes
Kids are tired, so they dont talk (have jobs, sports, etc) Encourage parents not to allow their children to work more than 20 hours per week outside of school Express concern over fatigue

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School Connectedness Obstacles and Solutions
(Willmar Workshop)
Obstacle Solution
Kids do not take connect time seriously Identify what activities would be more meaningful for them
Very little time between classes As above, walk down the hallway with students
Lack of communication with parents Positive phone calls, emails to parents
Faculty and staff are asked to do more with less Make everyone (including students and parents) part of the solution team
Financial and economic barriers and not knowing where the kids are coming from Be aware, listen, know community resources that are available for kids and parents, as well as school resources

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School Connectedness Obstacles and Solutions
(Willmar Workshop)
Obstacle Solution
There is not enough time in the day to engage with students Catch students before or after school and in the hallways, be present in the hallways and lunch room
Class sizes are too large Use more group work, popsicle sticks or cards to include all students
Students personal situations, backgrounds, etc Ask questions and actively listen to responses Respect students personal space and let them choose when to talk be ready to listen when they do Tell colleagues if you see students are having trouble or, if you feel that youre in over your head, ask for help

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School Connectedness Obstacles and Solutions
(Willmar Workshop)
Obstacle Solution
Boundary lines between teacher and student can get blurred Always remember that you are not their friend, that you are an adult who can help and support them academically and personally
Follow through on a continual basis throughout the school year can be a problem Set goals for your self that are small and achievable
The lack of physical space to talk with students in private Ask the administration to find a small space that can used for that purpose
Academic versus personal connections Remember that, as an adult, your role is to use personal engagements a vehicle toward academic achievement
Take the time to demonstrate that you care Go to student activities outside of school

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School Connectedness Obstacles and Solutions
(Willmar Workshop)
Obstacle Solution
At times attitudes of students are difficult to penetrate Be persistent, positive
Criticism of student work, at times is seen as a personal attack Start feedback with positives before providing critical feedback
Some students consume a lot more time when sharing, than is their due Set a timer for discussion each morning rotate those who take the lead
The difficulty, at times, of balancing curriculum and personal connection with students in a 48 minute class Choose an intentional time, such as at the beginning of the class provide personal notes on essays
Too little time at lunch to connect Discuss with administration, expanding lunch from 17 minutes to 30.

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School Connectedness Obstacles and Solutions
(Willmar Workshop)
Obstacle Solution
Announcement in classes can be obstructive Limit announcements to the beginning or the end of the hour
Dealing with destructive students Use non-aggressive strategies such as teaching at the sight of a disruptive student provide public compliment and private criticism
Lack of awareness of cultural variations Attend trainings in predominant cultures within a school, celebrate cultural differences
Lack of knowledge of impact of mental health on classroom achievement and behavior Engage mental health providers in providing training

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School Connectedness Obstacles and Solutions
(Willmar Workshop)
Obstacle Solution
Negative school climate (low budget, feeling overwhelmed and feeling unsupported) Take time for staff development, staff outings
Adult comfort with openness and creativity Form a school wide support committee to discuss and implement new ideas
More expectation and fewer staff to accomplish the task Engage volunteers, realize the value of non-educator adults in the school.