Every Student Is At Risk

By Eric Fox

I teach at-risk students—considered, by some, a trendy thing to do. The government pours money into programs for the students. The media decries the ones who don't make it and celebrates the ones who overcome.

I've had these students in my classroom throughout my teaching career. I've had students who are gangbangers and serving time. I've also had Ms. America and students who went on to top-tier universities. I've had students from homes with plenty and those that are lacking. I've had students of single parents, raised by surrogates, those who are only children, middle children, firstborn, and the "baby" of the family. I've had students who were overprotected and overindulged. I've had students who had to raise themselves, their siblings, and their parents.

I've seen a lot in my career, and I don't have many "aha" moments anymore. I hope it's not because I'm jaded or cynical. It isn't because I know it all. I don't have the explanations for students who study but don't test well; or who chronically don't turn in homework; or lack skills, but refuse to give up; or who quit just before they figure it out; or who make learning look effortless. If I had those explanations, I'd be on TV talking about my book or touting my answers as the path toward educational utopia. Those experts get paid to travel and talk about...