School-to-Prison Pipeline & Leadership

My reaction to the “Locating the School-To-Prison Pipeline” article was that I do not like what they are doing to these minority students. I do agree that safety is important in the schools but what makes it reasonable to point out minority students as if they are the only ones causing problems within the school. Also, if these students are put in these juvenile detention centers they become behind in their schooling, even if they do decide to mature and change their behaviors. These students deserve the equal opportunity to make mistakes but they should have mentors to help them when they are running astray or misbehaving. Often times when students are stripped from the opportunity to be themselves in the home they tend to misbehave in school gain attention they are seeking, so they will blurt out comments in the classroom, not aware of their boundaries with adults, and even play fight during the school day. These are all a part of students growing and developing into adults. They will make mistakes but if they are put in these detention centers they at least need to have mentors with experience who can help them stay focused. The misbehaving that goes on during school are not “threats” but just need redirection of what is expected from the students. You never know what these students can be going through at home that may cause them to misbehave in school. School should be a home away from home that way teachers can help these students because being a teacher is not just an occupation but also a lifestyle, because they are leaders and mentors for these students when they are away from home.  

            As a STARS Leader I can address the educational inequalities that exist in the city of Chicago by encouraging my mentee to give his absolute best and full effort in assignments and developing ways to overcome this issue for example setting yourself apart from the wrong crowd and setting an example for others to follow. Family Matters will help me to develop my leadership skills through bonding with my mentee, being a listening ear at all times, and allowing me to practice expressing my abilities in mentoring. I can learn from my mentee and help better my role in his life. I will lead by example and frequently give my personal advice on situations when needed but sharing some of my past experiences and mistakes can help with advising.