There are many risk indicators impacting not only a student’s ability to succeed in a school environment, but also the ability for a school and/or district to make progress and meet the achievement expectations at state or federal levels. To prepare for this discussion, beyond reviewing the Week Four Instructor Guidance, you will investigate general at-risk groups and behaviors, as well as information pertaining to students with disabilities.

Begin by investigating the National Center for School Engagement (Links to an external site.) website to gain insight as to various risk indicators commonly observed in at-risk youth in school environments. This resource also provides strategies for re-engagement that support the building of student resilience including parental involvement (Links to an external site.), truancy (Links to an external site.), youth development philosophies & approaches (Links to an external site.), and reengagement supports or strategies (Links to an external site.). Next, access your state’s Department of Education website, specifically for their special education link (which may also be titled something similar to Exceptional Student Services). Read the mission statements; notice that your state’s website may have a far-reaching statement as well as specific missions for funding, programming, and resources. Investigate some of the programs and resources available from your state and review the methods the state uses to provide assistance to schools.

Now, investigate a school district website in your local community or state. Look for information similar to what you observed in the National Center for School Engagement (Links to an external site.) that describes supports for a variety of at-risk groups. In most cases, district-based websites include direct links to the individual schools located in the district. Therefore, you may find a special program or intervention model offered at a specific school that would help inform your response to this discussion. Additionally, look for information pertaining to special education. You may find this information under a link titled “Departments” or something similar. Read the mission of the school district. Look specifically for programs and approaches offered for students with disabilities.

Initial Post: Create an initial post that addresses the following:

1. Cite      the website for the school district you evaluated.
2. Describe      at least one school- or district-level program, model, or approach      showcased regarding parental involvement, truancy, reengagement supports      or strategies, or youth development.
3. Discuss      how the school district’s special education mission statement either      supports or differs from what was observed from the state’s special      education mission.
4. Share      an example of a program or policy from the district or a particular school      that supports what was stated in the state’s website and explain how the      program or policy aligns with that of the state’s positions or policies.
5. Describe      your impressions of the types and levels of supports offered in the school      district, sharing something that impressed or surprised you as well as      anything you found to be lacking from the supports offered.

See full work attached