Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Achievement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Retired teacher urges board to address boys' reading, engagement and mental health
Summary
A retired Cleveland County teacher told the board that boys in the district are falling behind in reading, engagement and mental health, and urged expanded vocational options, mentoring and a focus on third-grade reading scores by gender.
A retired teacher urged the Cleveland County Board of Education on July 21 to make targeted efforts to re-engage boys who are falling behind academically and socially.
Rob (Rod) Powell, who identified himself as a retired teacher and Cleveland County resident, told board members that research and local observation show boys are struggling in reading, school engagement and mental health. He asked the board whether the district is examining third-grade reading scores by gender, expanding vocational and hands-on learning options, and investing in mentoring and mental health supports to keep boys connected to school.
Powell said the concern is not political; he described it as a matter of education and student support and urged the district to "listen to our teachers" and to students themselves on how to reach those who have become disengaged.
Ending: Powell closed by thanking the board and asking officials to consider a range of supports — academic, vocational and mental health — to help boys who have "gone quiet" in classrooms and who need pathways to remain engaged in school and community life.
