does this type of academic support program already exist?

[Nicole M]

Ever since I heard Dr. Michele Foster give a brilliant and funny talk about the achievement gap, I have not been able to shake this idea. (She wrote a book called Black Teachers on Teaching:

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Teachers-Teaching-Press-Education/dp/156584453X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204928413&sr=8-1

I'm sorry I don't know how to do those fancy links.)

I wondered if you would let me think out loud about this?

Do you remember a few years back there was a study that came out that indicated that high schoolers who shared at least three meals a week with any adult, didn't have to be a parent, that these kids did better in school and had fewer issues with drugs and drinking? And then there was another study a few years back that indicated that kids who were scr*wing around with drugs and each other were not doing it late at night but between something like 3 and 6pm? I got to wondering what it would be like to offer a home-like environment (not a school or institutional environment) to high schoolers, where they could learn to cook and interact with adults in a casual way, over a meal and also get tutoring or homework assistance, and have a space to practice their musical instruments.

Working on a college campus, I realize that student here come in with a broad cultural knowledge that has nothing to do with the cultural deficit that we have discussed here on this board in recent weeks. Kids who come from middle class families have a certain degree of comfort, based on exposure, to things like, but not limited to, concerts and lectures. Students who do not have this comfort level would not feel that they fit in here. (I know there is data to back this up, but I don't have sources right now. But you get my drift.)

What if there were a way to give HS student the kinds of experiences that would broaden their comfort zone, and therefore increasing their chances for future academic success?

I wonder if there is a model for this type of program already?

I wonder if there would there be funds for available, grants, to support this kind of alternative program?

Like all the rest of you, I've been working my dang butt off to get my oldest, 16, ready for college. And like all the rest of you, in the process have acquired many skills and a broad knowledge of curricula and educational trends, etc. I've been thinking about how I can apply that knowledge to help other kids.

So I'm just full of wondering these days.

Does this make sense? Does it seem like something worthy of pursuit? I would love to hear your responses!

[Doran]

What if there were a way to give HS student the kinds of experiences that would broaden their comfort zone, and therefore increasing their chances for future academic success?

First of all, Nicole, it doesn't really matter if it already exists the way you envision it. It sounds like an idea that has the potential for real benefit, and as such, my guess is that there would be funding available somewhere.

As you know, of course, there are multitudes of after school programs which are successful to varying degrees. The first place I think I'd start looking for models and potential funding sources is to some of the "out of school time" programming which is going on nationwide, and maybe even more importantly, in other countries. Sometimes it's good to step out of our own cultural exposure and to look abroad for innovative ideas. That said, you might find a reasonable start in your search here. (http://www.niost.org/about/index.html)

This doesn't exactly relate, but it also does, in a way. I remember how precious my years in my church's youth program were to me as a teen. I remember sitting around in comfortable chairs, in rooms equipped with goofy 80's lights, and a bumper pool table, where teens had the priviledge of being together with adults who weren't liberal, but who also gave us more breathing room than our parents. It was a very popular group (though it did NOT cater to the segment of kids that I think you are reaching towards...we were all a bunch of affluent upper middle class teens) -- which was key, because if you're pals aren't doing it, then neither are you, kwim?

Anyway, I think it's a great idea and one that has some real possibilities. You should not let something that "niggles" slip away. There is energy in your vision that you should honor!

Doran

[Doran]

I'm curious to know if others have thoughts on this.

Doran

[Jean in Newcastle]

My thoughts when I read this were that you are describing "mentoring". Sometimes it works that a "cool" mom of teens becomes the "go to mom" for all of the teen's friends. Sometimes it is a good teacher. In my case, it was a really caring teacher in high school who spent hours hanging out and talking to us after school - his wife was really cool too and was always welcoming if he brought some of us home to listen to some music and have a snack.

I'm wondering if for older ages if "Big Brothers/ Big Sisters" might work like this? Or the Boy and Girls Club?