Teacher Feature 

Elementary Principal, Rod Broadhead.

Teacher Feature Reflection Questions:

1. Why did Mr. Broadhead become a teacher and Principal?
2. What does Mr. Broadhead believe makes him a good teacher?
3. What is Mr. Broadhead’s favorite part of being a teacher and a principal?
4. What advice would Mr. Broadhead give to new teachers?

Utah Education Flashback

Challenging social issues in 1873 were addressed at a meeting in the basement of the St. George Tabernacle. “As time passed and the manufacture of wine became more widespread throughout Dixie, leaders became aware that an increasing number of cases of alcoholism began to develop. Pioneer James G. Bleak stated the following:

“… the tendency of many of the people of
this Southern country to indulge too freely in wine
and other intoxicating drinks. Advised to temperance
and wisdom in the use of these articles. Said that
those things among us are ruinous to our welfare…”

^{(James G. Bleak, Annals of the Southern Utah
Mission Book B, (copied from the original by BYU Library,
Library, Provo, Utah, 1928), p. 181.)}

Social Issues

Social issues can have a significant impact on education. These issue include:

Inequality
Inequality in education exists in education and is based on socioeconomic status (SES), racism, gender bias, stereotypes, or other factors. Inequality, specifically SES can result in unequal access to  educational resources and opportunities.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)
Socioeconomic status is based on three factors. These factors include a parent’s income, education level, and occupation.

Racism
The belief that one race is superior to another.

Gender Bias
The belief that one gender is superior to another.

Stereotype
A rigid, simplistic caricature of a specific group or individual. The belief that all are the same.

https://youtu.be/ej4dnoKG-UI

Poverty
Students from low-income families may face challenges such as lack of access to basic needs like food and healthcare.

Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to the use of technology, such as social media, text messages, and online forums, to harass, intimidate, or humiliate someone. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including sending threatening messages or images, spreading rumors, or creating fake profiles to impersonate or mock someone.

Cyberbullying has a significant impact on those who experience it. It causes emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and in some cases, cyberbullying can lead to self-harm or suicide. It can also negatively impact academic performance, attendance, and social relationships.

Click here to view a PBS video on ‘Adriana’s Law’.

Latchkey children
Latchkey children are children who are left unsupervised at home for some period of time, typically after school, while their parents or caregivers are at work. The term “latchkey” comes from the idea that children may wear a key around their neck or on a bracelet in order to let themselves into their homes after school. Children who are unsupervised at home may be at risk of injury or harm, particularly if they engage in risky behaviors or are exposed to unsafe conditions. Latchkey children may miss out on social interaction and support from peers and adults, which can impact their social and emotional development. Latchkey children may have difficulty completing homework or staying on track academically. Children who are responsible for caring for themselves may experience stress and anxiety related to their responsibilities. This stress may impact their mental health.

Homeless students
Homeless students are children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Homelessness takes many forms, including living in shelters, hotels or motels, cars, parks, or other public spaces, or temporarily staying with friends or family members due to loss of housing or economic hardship.

Homelessness may have a significant impact on a student’s ability to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

In Utah, the definition of a homeless student is defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which is a federal law that provides protections and support for homeless individuals, including children and youth. According to this act, a homeless student in Utah is defined as a child or youth who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:

1. Children and youth who are living in shelters, motels, hotels, or other temporary housing arrangements.
2. Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, or other places not meant for human habitation.
3. Children and youth who are living in substandard housing, such as those without running water or electricity.
4. Children and youth who are temporarily staying with friends or family members due to loss of housing or economic hardship, often referred to as “doubled up.”

In Utah, homeless students are entitled to certain protections and supports under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, including the right to:

1. Enroll in school immediately, even if they lack the documents normally required for enrollment.
2. Receive transportation to and from school.
3. Access free or reduced-price meals.
4. Receive academic and other support services.

Drugs and alcohol
Drugs and alcohol in schools have a significant impact on students’ health, academic achievement, and overall well-being. Substance use and abuse can lead to a range of negative consequences, including addiction, impaired cognitive function, increased risk of accidents and injuries, and social and emotional problems.

To address the issue of drugs and alcohol in schools, many schools have implemented prevention and intervention programs aimed at educating students about the risks associated with substance use and providing them with support and resources to address any problems they may be experiencing.

Education and awareness
Schools may provide education and awareness programs to help students understand the risks associated with substance use, as well as strategies for making healthy choices and resisting peer pressure.

Screening and assessment
Some schools screen students for substance use and provide assessment and referral services to students who may be experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol.

Counseling
Counseling and support services to students who are struggling with substance use are provided by most schools.

Discipline and consequences
Schools may have disciplinary policies that are enacted by school administrators that address substance use. Most schools have consequences for violating these policies such as student suspension or expulsion.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA) offers a range of resources on substance use and addiction, including information on prevention and treatment programs. Their website (https://www.drugabuse.gov/) also includes research articles and data on substance use among adolescents.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) provides resources on substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, including information on evidence-based practices and programs. Their website (https://www.samhsa.gov/) also includes data on substance use among youth and other populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) offers resources on substance use prevention and treatment, including data on substance use and related health outcomes. Their website (https://www.cdc.gov/) includes research articles, data, and resources for educators, parents, and other stakeholders.

Teen Pregnancy
Teen pregnancy is a significant social issue that impacts all involved. Schools play an important role in addressing the issue of teen pregnancy and supporting young parents to ensure they can continue their education and achieve their goals.

Socioeconomic status (SES)
Socioeconomic status is the position of an individual or group on the socioeconomic scale, which is determined by a combination of social and economic factors such as income, amount and kind of education, type and prestige of occupation, place of residence, and—in some societies or parts of society—ethnic origin or religious background.^{(https://www.apa.org/topics/socioeconomic-status)}

Examinations of socioeconomic status often reveal inequities in access to resources, as well as issues related to privilege, power, and control.

High SES
This includes individuals or families who have high levels of income, education, and occupational prestige. They may have access to a range of resources, such as high-quality education, healthcare, and cultural experiences.

Middle SES
This includes individuals or families who have moderate levels of income, education, and occupational prestige. They may have access to some resources, but may also face financial and other limitations.

Low SES
This includes individuals or families who have low levels of income, education, and occupational prestige. They may have limited access to resources, and may struggle to meet basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare.

Socioeconomic status (SES) can have a significant impact on education. Students from low-income families often face challenges that can affect their ability to learn and succeed in school. The following represent some limitations of low SES:

• Access to resources: Students from low-income families may have limited access to resources such as books, technology, and educational opportunities outside of school.
• Basic needs: Students from low-income families may struggle to have basic needs met, such as adequate nutrition, healthcare, and stable housing. This can impact their ability to learn and succeed in school.
• Parental involvement: Parents from low-income families may have limited time and resources to be involved in their child’s education, such as attending parent-teacher conferences and volunteering at school.

Learning environment: Students from low-income families may attend schools with limited resources, outdated facilities, and less experienced teachers, which can negatively impact their education. Click here for more information on education and socioeconomic status. 

Research has shown that SES is strongly linked to academic achievement, with students from low-income families generally performing lower on standardized tests and having lower high school graduation rates compared to their higher-income peers. However, it’s important to note that students from low-income families are not inherently less intelligent or capable than their higher-income peers, and that educational disparities based on SES are largely due to external factors beyond their control.

To address the impact of SES on education, schools and policymakers can work to provide resources and support for students and families, such as access to technology and educational opportunities, programs to address basic needs, and support for parental involvement in education. Additionally, efforts to promote equity in education can help to reduce the impact of SES on academic achievement.

It’s important to note that SES is a complex and multidimensional concept, and that individuals and families can experience different levels of SES across different dimensions. For example, a person may have a high level of education but a low income, or a high income but limited access to healthcare. Additionally, SES can be impacted by factors such as race, gender, and geography, which can further complicate the definition and measurement of SES.

United States Poverty Guidelines

HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2023
The 2023 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 19, 2023.

^{Federal Register Notice, January 19, 2023 – Full text.}

Pay to Play
How much were your school fees? Pay to play often makes being involved in school activities difficult for low SES students. The perpetual increase in school operations and extracurricular activities in general pose barriers to some students.

​Vocabulary

Socioeconomic Status

SES

Pay to Play

Poverty Level

School Fees

Inequality

Socioeconomic status (SES)

Racism

Gender bias

Stereotypes

Discrimination

Prejudice

Poverty

Homelessness

Mental health

Addiction

Immigration

Standardized Testing

School Safety

Education Funding