Michael+Warren+-+A+Secondary+Student+Profile

toc =__9 th - 12 th  GRADE STUDENT PROFILE __= ==

Walking into a secondary classroom may be a bit unnerving for many. On any given day you may encounter a student who has developed a plan for completing graduation, beyond graduation, and where they know they will be in the next 10 years, or may encounter a student who is not even sure what they will be doing after the next period gets out or where they will be living tonight. Students may be coming to school without having their basic needs of clothing, food, or safety addressed or may park their BMW in the student lot. There could be a first time English Language Learner or may be a student fluent in 3 or more languages. A brief descriptor of some adolescent traits (from Child Development Institute) are listed below to familiarize you with the challenges and rewards that a secondary teacher comes into contact with on a daily basis.

__General Characteristics: __

 * Interests shift from solitary to group pursuits
 * Having the "right" or "in" clothing becomes particularly important
 * Vocational interests become more prominent and realistic
 * Concerns about social issues develop
 * Beginning of a truer sense of self develops
 * Strong attitudes toward religious, ethnic, and racial groups begin to emerge

__Physical Development: __

 * Rapid weight gain at beginning of adolescence; enormous appetite
 * Sexual maturity with accompanying physical and emotional changes
 * Females usually about two years ahead of males, sometimes a glandular imbalance
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bone growth essentially completed, adult height essentially reached, improved coordination

__ Characteristic Reactions: __

 * Going to extremes, emotional instability and "know it all" attitude displayed
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Return to habits of childhood - nail biting, tricks, impudence, day-dreaming
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">High interest in philosophical, ethical, and religious problems - search for ideals
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Preoccupation with acceptance by the social group; fear of ridicule and/or being unpopular; overly sensitive; self-pity
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Strong identification with an admired adult
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Assertion of independence from family as a step toward adulthood
 * High interest in physical attractiveness

__ Special needs: __

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Conformity with and acceptance by the peer group
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adequate knowledge and understanding of sexual relationships and attitudes
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adult guidance which is kindly, unobtrusive, and does not threaten the feeling of freedom
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sense of direction withoutden being pushed
 * The assurance of security - seeks both dependence and independence

__ Additional Re﻿sources/﻿Links: __

 * Child Development Institute - disorders
 * CDC - 15-17 age group
 * Education.com - Adoscelent Development
 * Parent Resources from CDC

=__WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?__= Looking for strategies to help your students become successful. Here some links and resources that may prove useful. Links for ELL students to the At-Risk student some classroom strategies that may make the day go more smoothly.

English Language Learner's (ELLs):
A Nation with Multiple Languages: The Many Faces of English Language Learners (ELLs): @http://www.education.com/reference/article/multiple-language-ell-english-learner/

At-Risk Students:
At Risk:Characteristics of Students at Risk and why Students Drop out: @http://www.education.com/reference/article/characteristics-students-risk/

Relational Discipline Strategies for In-Your Face Kids: @http://www.teachersworkshop.com/twshop/relationaldisc.html

Students of Poverty:
Ruby Payne strategies

Brain-Based strategies for students of poverty

Students with ADD/ADHD disorders:
Parenting and Behavioral Issues

Teaching Strategies

Classroom Management

Instructional/Classroom Management strategies:
Instructional Strategies

Classroom Management Strategies

Inclusion Students for Writing

Motivating students:
University of Michigan

Hawaii.edu

Brain-Based Strategies

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