Focus groups help minority students reach their potential
Whether the answer is adopting a uniform dress code or expanding counseling services, the question was the same: How can the Sioux City Community School District help its students become successful?
That question was asked of students, parents and other representatives of three ethnic communities served by the district: Native Americans, African-Americans and Latinos. The district is conducting focus groups to identify particular challenges to student achievement and ways to promote greater success. Although key issues among focus group participants varied, all were concerned about how the district could help students become successful. Among the issues:
Native American Focus Group Issues:
- Attendance and drop out
- Safety and well-being (alcohol, drug, mental health and gang-related issues)
- Communication between and among parents, school staff and students
- Teacher perceptions and expectations
African-American Focus Group Issues:
- Counseling
- Talent and Gifted identification process
- Discipline
- Specific policies (such as identification of bi-and multi-racial students; recognition of Martin Luther King Day)
Latino Focus Group Issues:
- Counseling
- Discrimination and harassment
- Transportation
- Safe schools/security
Feedback from participants has been encouraging, said Marilyn Charging, Director of Educational Equity for the district.
“Often, we tend to focus on the academic piece of education issues when there are other issues that need to be addressed. Our bottom line is to help students reach their potential.”
Numerous recommendations were offered, including increasing the number of minority truant officers and other staff, improving two-way communications between parents and the school, expanding counseling services, offering rigorous course opportunities and increasing tutoring services.