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Case Study
Key Issue
Key Issues
The key issues is community safety and crime. The teacher recognized that her student was
distant and distracted right before a long break. The teacher is also considering the long break
and if she should be concerned about the safety for the student at home. Schools are more than a
safe space but a positive social environment for all students. The teacher felt concerned
considering both variables and decided to call home.
The student’s mother shared what had happened to her neighborhood that morning. There was a
crowd of emergency vehicles and locals that piqued her interest but accepted the worse possible
outcome. As she got there, the worse was true; another black young adult murdered. This appears
to be a common occurrence in the community how the mother assumed the outcome. The
chances are greater for male African American deaths in urban communities. In one study the
statistics show that, “Young blacks are at particularly high risk for homicide. The homicide rate
for blacks aged 10—34 years was 2.6 times higher than the rate for blacks aged 35 years and
older in 2015 (Sheets et. al., 2018)”. She had lived long enough in the community to watch
children grow up with hers and recognize those who live nearby. The mother expressed from a
maternal point of view and how she hurts for all then moms who loses a child. That there are
way too many children who die for harmlessness like the clothes they wear or carrying a casual
cup. She felt that her duty as a mother and a longtime member of the community to clean up the
mess in the alley. This shows the teacher that the student is processing another death and her
mother’s emotional response. This also took place in the early morning.
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Case Study
Recommend a Plan
As the teacher, it is my responsibility to adapt a sense of urgency when there is a change
in our students behavior, rather positive or negative. This would be my response when noticing
any changes. After listening to the mothers, the teacher can express compassion and empathy to
the mother who had to endure such experience. The teacher can also thank the mom for her act
of humanity by cleaning and washing the alley of blood. The teacher will reassure that her child
is in safe environment and that she will speak with her daughter about what happened. Because
fatal crimes happen often in urban communities, children are normalized to it; emotionally
disconnected. The textbook mentions that children are culturally disadvantaged because it is
rooted from their domestic life and it not translated to integrate in larger part of society
(Tutwiler, 2005). The teacher can give the student a safe space for them to open and freedom to
share without cultural barriers or judgement. The teacher can be the ear the student can talk to
and help process concerns of the student. Before ending with the mother, the teacher can ask
what she can do to help her child in the most appropriate way possible.
Rationale:
This brings it to the teacher’s support and how to support. The teacher should be culturally
sensitive when approaching topics about death and race. By the teacher listening to the mother
can help provide contexts to the student’s behavior and how to approach the scenario with the
student. Also engaging with the mother can show what type of relationship and support the
student has with parent. Nonetheless the teacher should remain respectful and supportive. The
teacher recognizing how crime in the community and is inevitable and reality for many, does not
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Case Study
References
Sheats KJ, Irving SM, Mercy JA, Simon TR, Crosby AE, Ford DC, Merrick MT, Annor FB,
Morgan RE. Violence-Related Disparities Experienced by Black Youth and Young Adults:
Opportunities for Prevention. Am J Prev Med. 2018 Oct;55(4):462-469. doi:
10.1016/j.amepre.2018.05.017. Epub 2018 Aug 20. PMID: 30139709; PMCID: PMC6691967.
Tutwiler, S. J. W. (2005).ETeachers as collaborative partners: Working with diverse families and
communities. Taylor & Francis Group.
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