Are They Truly "High Risk?"

I agree with Kim that education is important to today’s society as well as the future. Rose brings up an interesting point when he talks about his observation of students in the English A section. These students are consider “high risk” or “at risk” students primarily because they did not perform well on scholastic achievement tests. Once inside the class, he notices that after awhile these student come out of their comfort zone and participate in the class discussion. I agree with him that some students are poor test takers, but are truly intelligent people given the opportunity to express their opinions and thoughts. I feel that most of the problem comes from fear of failure. However, I do not think that classifying people with the terms “high risk” is appropriate based solely on a test. I think that Rose summed it up best with his sarcastic line, “These are the truly illiterate among us.” Today’s society places so much attention on results of tests, graduating high school and going to college. This is completely clear in the No Child Left Behind Act which is based solely on test results. Schools today teach somewhat useless information instead of practical lesson. Therefore, leaving the impression that if your not going to pursue higher education then taking calculus and biology are a waste of your time. I also agree with the chapter when it talks about the struggles of freshman. I think that it is true for most people that they have the fear in the back of their mind, “will I make it.” College is a new and different experience and causes us to change some of our former habits. The article continues by asking: is the educational system on the decline? I do not feel that it is declining because many students are pursue college or higher level education, however, it is not helping to prepare students for the real world.