Turning Points: Chapter 8

Abstract: Chapter 8 is all about creating a healthy environment for learning. Students emotional and physical needs need to be fostered at school. One important aspect of a healthy environment is that students need to feel safe from hate and violence while they are learning. One way to accomplish this is to set up support teams that are made up of school and community mental health and relationship specialists, who will promote positive inter-relations and peer support. Peer mediation is another program which is on the rise in schools. Another important aspect of student health is that students get some physical activity during their day. Some schools have now begun programs that offer non competitive options for students who are body conscious. Another important aspect of creating a safe environment is to be culturally conscious of all student cultures. The book discourages against taking what they call the "holidays and heroes" approach in the classroom. All ethnic groups need to be respected and students need to feel comfortable asking questions.
Students who have feel safe and are healthy at school translates to students who excel academically and enjoy school. These students are far less likely to engage in at risk behaviors such as smoking, drinking, drugs or sex at early ages.

Reflection:
Promoting healthy individuals is an extremely important part of education, especially during adolescence, when students are most likely to start experimenting with at risk behaviors. The idea that many schools are starting to get rid of phys. ed is not good, especially considering the obesity rates the US is hitting. Physical health needs to be promoted in schools. It is also very important that emotional health be taken into consideration. Attitude directly influences how much learning takes place for a student and how much they enjoy school.
We all felt that the idea of peer mediation was a good idea of it was implemented effectively. Peer mediation gets students solving their own problems, so they do not always have to involve adults. Obviously, training needs to take place and this system cannot just be thrown into place expecting results. Like any new program in a school, it takes time.
Another important issue they bring up in the chapter is the importance of cultural education. A strong cultural education program can help eliminate stereotypes and cliques that are prevalent in many schools.When students feel threatened because of their race or other differences, it effects their learning.

Alyson