Students in Trouble

Jane Heath teaches psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical University in
Toronto.

This book contains a collection of case studies of children and
adolescents in distress, drawn from the experiences of school
administrators, guidance counselors, and teachers, in settings ranging
from elementary school to high school. Selection was based on three
criteria: reflection of typical, current problems; direct focus on
students’ issues; and reflection on basic problems in families, the
school system, and society. Cases are grouped into the following general
categories: challenge of classroom or school rules, aggression, sexual
misconduct or crimes, incidents complicated by interethnic issues,
students “at risk” due to family or school neglect, and student
issues that threaten school–community relationships. The book’s
stated purpose is to stimulate discussion about the cases and about the
more general reality they represent, and to generate problem-solving
strategies. In support of the latter goal, discussion questions follow
each case study. These questions are designed to reflect four
perspectives: the administrator’s, the guidance counselor’s, the
classroom teacher’s, and that of the legal system.

Though brief, the case studies present compelling vignettes of students
in distress. Controversial and challenging problems are clearly
presented. The discussion questions are thoughtful and provocative, and
likely to assist undergraduate and graduate students in developing
skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. The
book is also highly recommended for use in workshops by educational
administrators, teachers, and guidance counselors, particularly those
who work in schools that have adopted a team approach to the handling of
student problems.