Pedagogy

Middle-school students across the nation are impacted by problems of the New
Millennium.  Community and family violence drug and alcohol abuse poverty and crime
are among the difficulties that youth encounter.  The young person, equipped with few
coping skills, is left to handle the problems while engaged in formal learning situations. The
students inability to cope with the pressures is at the root of their declining achievement
levels and disruptive classroom behaviors.   Peer tutoring and mentoring programs have a
positive impact on students learning processes.  Students in todays world are bombarded
daily with messages that challenge their sense of self.  Many are reluctant to discuss their
feelings with teachers and other adults.  Young adults who are abused by adults in their
home may mistrust other adults.  These future adults are more likely to turn to their peers
when trying to make sense of their complex life.                                                                        
   
In order to be effective, mentoring programs must provide tools for uncovering the
source of the anxiety and other issues that limit students learning abilities.  The young
mentors must gain the trust of their students in order to provide support.  This initial step
lays the groundwork for all of the academic, social, creative, and other learning abilities
that will be enriched over the course of the mentoring period.
   
The formal classroom setting is not equipped to tackle the problems that students
encounter in the home and community.  The current emphasis placed on standardized
testing limits the teachers ability to offer students comprehensive learning tools.  Parents,
working together with the teachers and other community representatives can fashion
learning plans that young people can rely on to take their learning processes to the
maximum level.  School administrators must take the lead in providing more resources so
that teachers can give back to the students.  These young people are our only hope for the
future.
                                                   
Decision Maker
The necessary tools for change are already in the hands of Boys Hope Girls Hope.  The
organization is focused on combining the students family life with that of the school and
community (Palmer, 2010).  The organization is planting seeds for change in cities across
the United States.  Recently, the group has been planning additional facilities for other
countries.  A diverse global network of sustainers offer their talents to the scholars.  This
network, represents laypeople and professionals with a common goal of empowering youth.
The home-like setting of Boys Hope Girls Hope programs is a way to immerse the scholars
in a world of positive relationships. Combining home and school activities shows the
importance of the linkages between the two settings.  The frustrations that students express
in the classroom result from events occurring in their homes, over which they have little, if
any,  control.  Children living in abusive homes cant make the abuse end.  They dont even
understand why they are being beaten or neglected.  In most cases, however, the children
believe that they deserve the bad treatment (Epstein, Sanders, Sheldon, et. al., 2009).
     
Ignoring the problems can add to the childs burdens (Comer,  2005).  Children attempt
to mask their hurt.  However, they soon find out that this is an impossible task.  Some
children keep the hurt bottled up inside.  The pain becomes so unbearable that the child
engages self-destructive actions that can lead to suicide (Click  Parker, 2009).  Other
children in turmoil lash out at those around them.  They are among the students who
are labeled bullies and troublemakers.
     
The scholars of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore are ideal candidates for mentoring
the middle-school students in Prince Georges County.  In order to become involved with
Boys Hope Girls Hope, potential scholars must be free from emotional, behavioral, and
learning challenges (Palmer, 2010).  The persons guiding these students must be qualified
to offer not only academic assistance, but also encouragement that these young people need
to sustain them through the crises in their lives.  The experiences of the scholar as a former
student at-risk will help gain the trust of the mentored students (Sherk, 2003).                                                                      
The success of the mentoring program will depend upon the availability of the network
to scholars as they carry out their work.  For instance, the educators will be required to
assist the scholars with designing enrichment materials that integrates academic, social,
and creative learning processes (Epstein, Sanders, Sheldon, et.al., 2009).  Additionally,
business leaders will be called upon to consult with the scholars so they can build small
enterprises with mentoring, through tutoring, as the key activity (Gordon, 2001).
                                                                 
Problem
Youth in the United States encounter challenges in their daily lives.  Poverty, violence,
and substance abuse are among the dangers that limit childrens potential to succeed in all
areas of their lives (Click  Parker, 2009).  Middle-school students are of special concern,
for they must deal with the changes that occur as a result of adolescence, along with the
concerns of family and school (Epstein, et. al., 2009).  The current state of education shows
the limitations of relying on either the family or the school to prepare students for future
careers.  These institutions are only effective when the members are working as a team,
with the common goal of enriching the learning processes of the young.
   
The current financial crisis is limiting the ability of the family, schools, and other
community settings to equip young people for roles in society, particularly in the
workforce.  The rise in home foreclosures is uprooting families.  Many former economically
viable families are joining the ranks of the homeless.   Schools are being shuttered in Prince
Georges County, and across the nation, at a time when school achievement levels are
declining dramatically. Urban school districts are losing thousands of students each year
due as families leave in search of better opportunities.
   
The erosion of the tax base is detrimental to the public school system. Without major
interventions, the impact of these developments will be realized within the next 20 years.
The number of school dropouts over the next two decades is projected at over 12 million
students.  The economic cost is estimated to be more than 3 trillion dollars (Palmer, 2010).  

Effective interventions can reduce the effects of childhood and adolescent traumas.
Linking family life and school life can lead to productive measures for rescuing our youth
during these rough times (Dodd  Konzal, 2002).  Scholars from Boys Hope Girls Hope of
Baltimore can make a difference in the well-being of the students they mentor.  Resources
will be available to allow the scholar to tailor the activities to the interests, talents, and
expectations of the mentees.  The scholars work will be vital in linking the students home,
school, and community environments.  As the community representatives mobilize the
resources to make changes, the result will be improvements for society as a whole.  
                                                     
Action Requested
The mentoring program can be in operation within a nine-month time period.  The
organization already is involved in mentoring students residing in Baltimore and Prince
Georges County.  Scholars are required to volunteer their time to support at-risk students.
The Timetable below outlines the key activities that will be carried out to set up the
mentoring program.

ActivityDate RangeProjected CostPre-PlanningApril  June, 2010      5,000
Needs AssessmentsJune  August, 2010      10,000
Evaluation  FundraisingApril  December, 2010      20,000
Recruiting  Consulting  ScholarsApril  June, 2010        8,000
Selecting Materials, Other ResourcesApril  December, 2010        5,000
Lease Space  Begin ProgramMay  August, 2010      20,000
68,000 Total)

The total projected cost, 68,000 demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
Volunteers selected from Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore and other groups in the
surrounding areas will provide their expertise, thereby reducing personnel costs.   The
savings will be passed along to the middle-school students and their young mentors in
the form of additional intangible and tangible support.  For example, the middle-school
student will have more opportunities for discussing problems in their lives.  The scholars
will obtain advice and guidance on designing small business enterprises.  Each group of
learners will also receive career enrichment materials.
   
Recommendations for getting the program in operation include convening focus groups
of community representatives From students to business leaders.  Each discussion group
will play an important role during all phases of the programs development and operation.
                                           
Importance of the Problem
The lack of effective interventions during the last two decades has left many young
people in precarious situations.  Students who drop out of school lack the skills to get
anything other than menial jobs.  The teenage mother and father are forced to take on
responsibilities that are tough for adults to manage.  Their children, born into
impoverished conditions, will be more likely to drop out of school. Rates of depression and
other forms of mental illnesses are increasing among adolescents (Click  Parker, 2009).
   
The significant ties between education and socioeconomic status have become more
apparent during the economic crisis.  Employers are finding it difficult to locate skilled
workers.  Adults are relying on educational enrichment to increase their earning power.
Education is the single most important route to success.  For instance, college graduates
earn, on average, 67 more annually than dropouts (Palmer, 2010, p. 2).   Initiatives that
link middle-school students major social settings serve as a platform for the students to
improve their overall well-being.  Individuals within the family, school, religious groups,
and others, will reinforce the students so they will enjoy learning.

Mentoring is necessary to stem the tide of school dropouts, which result in future adults
unprepared for their chosen careers.  Many adults lack the basic literacy skills to obtain
employment.  They are among the students who dropped out in middle-school, mainly due
to a lack of coping skills to handle the home and school pressures (Comer, 2005).  Through
mentoring, all of the students roles are taken into consideration.  The scholars from Boys
Hope Girls Hope are aware of the frustration that arises from a life filled with stressors. As
the mentees become more comfortable discussing their feelings, they will be more willing to
engage in learning (Sherk, 2003).  Removing the layer of doubt and mistrust from the
young students is a major step toward developing positive learning experiences. Quality
learning situations lead to better preparation for future careers.
   
The scholars will work with the young students throughout the students middle-school
and high school years.  These students will be ready to contribute to the success of Boys
Hope Girls Hope and the community.
                                                         
Research Required
Research consultants will collect and analyze the data from the following sources
Needs Assessments  With Students, Scholars, Families, Schools, and Community
Leaders.  Focus groups offer an informal setting for obtaining insights on the views
of the issues that impede the middle-students development.  The group members
also will suggest methods for delivering the mentoring services to the students.
Parents and other family members will be able to communicate their needs during
these sessions.  They will obtain services through the mentoring program.  The
success of the program depends in large measure upon the participation of these
 significant others in the students world.

Existing Records  Achievement levels for middle-school students in the program.
Comparisons will be made in their levels before and after the intervention.
Observations  of students in various activities  Classrooms other public settings
before and after the interventions.  

The observations will be carried out by the scholars who will take notes on their
interactions with the students.  The confidentiality of the students will be protected
when the information is reviewed by the evaluator.

Survey  Key tool, the following Checklist of Enrichment Activities, which will be
completed by students, scholars, caretakers, teachers, and other community
representatives.  Comparisons will be made to explore the differences and
similarities in viewpoints.  Findings will provide guidelines on setting up the
program activities.  The following chart contains the major categories that will be
included on the survey.  The actual survey will contain specific activities within each
major category.
                         
Checklist of Major Categories of Enrichment Tools
Not Important ImportantVery ImportantAcademic Support Creative Skill BuildingSocial Skills Other Skills (Specify)

Academic Support consists of tutoring workshops in all basic subjects.  The toolkits will
contain workbooks and other supplies to reinforce the classroom learning.  Creative Skill
Building refers to activities that enhance the students artistic abilities.  Drama, writing,
art, and music are important to the students overall growth and development.  Social
Skills include interacting in formal and informal settings spirituality and socioemotional
features.   Students will engage in workshops that emphasizes self-expression.  These
integrated sets of activities will be instrumental in reinforcing the mentoring processes
 carried out by the scholars.
                                         
Impact of Adopting the Solution
The mentoring program will be successful because a diverse network of stakeholders
will be involved.  The major actors are the students, and parents, who must be at the
forefront of the planning and implementation stages.  Dodd  Konzal (2002, p.264) list
several reasons for the importance of parental involvement
Educators cant do the job alone.

Parents working with teachers can become a link to other resources, as well.
Parents have the strongest personal investment, and therefore the greatest
motivation to be more involved.

Educators can build trust and respect with parents before the team later connects
with other community representatives who have no children in the schools.
The involvement of the network within Boys Hope Girls Hope will lead to permanent
improvements in the community.
   
Educational enrichment is the source of prosperity for students, families, schools, and
other community stakeholders.  Scholars who become mentors for the students in the
program will enjoy the autonomy that stems from offering their services to those in need.
Scholars enrolled in college studies, and at least 18 years of age, will be the first group of
mentors recruited.  As the service base is strengthened, younger mentors will be selected.
 
Educators affiliated with the Boys Hope Girls Hope network will aid in preparing
toolkits for the students and scholars.  The Baltimore staff will collaborate with staff from
the global network of affiliates to identify the resources that will be most effective.  The
planning team will consult with parents and caretakers to obtain their input.  The greater
the team efforts, the higher the potential for successful outcomes for the middle-school
 students.
                                                         
CONCLUSIONS
Youth are experiencing a complex set of problems that require the expertise of
specialists.  The experts must partner with families, schools, and other groups concerned
with protecting the interests of those who cant speak for themselves.  Boys Hope Girls
Hope of Baltimore is making great strides in reaching children at-risk.  The groups
success is apparent through the outcomes of the scholars who physically leave the
residential setting in order to attend colleges across the world.  Without the assistance of
the mentors, these scholars would be in the same predicament as others who are waiting to
be served.  The scholars will meet the learning needs of the middle-school students by
relying on the positive framework of action that the leaders of Boys Hope Girls Hope are
using to develop highly effective interventions.
   
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore will link with groups from Prince Georges County
to make a difference in the lives of so many middle-school students.  These students are
finding it increasingly difficult to adjust in environments that are unsuitable to their
growth and development.  Mentoring offers the students a safe and proven method of
coping.  Investing in the health of our youth today, will lead to the future health of our
communities.

                                           
RECOMMENDATIONS

Step 1 Set up collaborations with the Boys Hope Girls Hope Affiliates.          

Step 2 The initiative has to place the interconnections among family, school, and
              community as vital to the students learning the student and parents must be at
              the forefront of the linkage.

Step 3 Enrichment packages for students should contain tools for students to grow
              socially, academically, and creatively.  Each component is vital to the students
              future success. Give students ample opportunities to express their goals and
              objectives.

Step 4 Fundraising plans must be implemented to begin raising seed money for the
              programs pre-planning work.

Step 5 Consultants can be retained on a voluntary basis, receiving a stipend.

Step 6 Evaluation processes are an integral part of the program.  Examining the effects of
             the activities will assist with modifying the program, and fine-tuning the processes
             involved in serving the students.  Producing quality research will allow the
             programs to be replicated wider scale.

Step 7 Quality research entails combining qualitative information provided by the key
             actors, with quantitative analysis of features such as a comparison of grade point
             averages before and after the program.

Step 8 Reward all who are involved in the program.  Incentives will keep everyone
              interested.  Students will want to learn at their maximum ability.  Parents will be
              encouraged to offer more assistance to their children.

Step 9 Keep the community involved through newsletters that report on the activities of
              the mentoring initiative.  Informal gatherings can also be used to maintain the ties.

Step 10 Place special emphasis on customizing the services to the needs of the individual
               student.  One-on-one mentoring will be conducted, to protect the students
               privacy. Tutoring can be done in small groups.
                                                   
ABSTRACT
Middle-school students experience myriad difficulties in todays society.  Among these
are poverty, crime, violence, and drug and alcohol addictions.  Recently, there has been a
call to Prince Georges County, and other Maryland-DC communities, to offer support to
the endeavors of organizations that are handling the problems.  Mentoring, carried out
through tutoring and other activities, give students a chance to gain tools for survival.
Students improve their relationships with others in their environment, and they are
prepared for future roles as responsible adults.  The scholars of Boys Hope Girls Hope of
Baltimore are ideal candidates as mentors, as a result of their experiences.  The home life
of the scholars, who are between the ages of 10 and 14, were not conducive to learning.  The
team members of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore provided a warm atmosphere, so that
the young residents could thrive.  Growing numbers of adolescents need these services.
   
With the current poor financial climate, even scholars from the organization would
welcome extra funds.  They will earn money for their work with the middle-school
students.  The mentoring program has advantages for the students, parents, scholars,
teachers, and the community as a whole.  Results from similar programs show progress by
the mentored students and the mentors  Young students learn better from the younger
generation, especially those who can show them how to overcome obstacles to learning.
Boys Hope Girls Hope can begin by convening focus groups with residents from Prince
Georges County.  These groups will be composed of those dedicated to making changes in
the lives of our youth.