Ask the Judge: Validity of mandated tutoring/book reports in truancy cases
By Judge Steve Walker
In past columns of “Ask the Judge” we addressed the implementation of innovative programs such as mandated tutoring and requiring all truants obtain a public library card and write a two sided book report, on a book they checked out at the public library.
Let’s revisit those two programs in Pct. 2. As the retired teacher of 26 years, I discovered early on as Judge, that both were more viable alternatives to community service. Once implemented, I found them to be a more productive means of re-directing students back to the classroom and finishing their studies. It culminated in them walking the stage with diploma in hand. Following the old adage, “whatever works,” it has proved to be a valuable tool. Besides, it is more educational than punishment oriented.
Critics and detractors point out that writing a book report does nothing to inspire students to return to the classroom. As Judge and former teacher I wholeheartedly disagree. With over one thousand book reports later, it has reaped benefits along with mandated tutoring.
One of the first things I discovered in implementing the book report/public library card was the fact that most truants not only didn’t have a public library card, most had never visited a public library.
Just ensuring that students visit a public library is beneficial. Unlike many of us older folk who in our day visited a public library that only housed rows and rows of books on shelves filled with all size books, the newer public libraries have so much more to offer the student.
Besides books, libraries offer the internet, videos, movies, audio books, exhibits, even social interaction with others your own age and various forms of entertainment that families can share together while at the library.
Mandated tutoring is also a much more viable solution to truancy and even disorderly conduct by public school students. More times than not students disrupt a class because they don’t know the subject material in class and feel inadequate.
They act out because they don’t want their classmates to think they are stupid. Mandating the student to get tutoring in their subjects they don’t do well in, gives them a better self image. They choose the subject. Their choice is very telling. They can justify to their friends that they have to attend tutoring and save face. When they do well with the extra help, they are less likely to disrupt.
In Pct. 2 if the student who skips classes is actually a good student but misses due to boredom or something similar, we mandate that they peer tutor other students. We have seen students going back to school and tutoring their peers in Chemistry, Physics and Algebra! It works.
Lastly as always, if you are due in court, be sure to show up to court on time. It is in everyone’s best interest.
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran and a former Journalist. 48th consecutive week published in the Sunday issue of La Prensa.
By Judge Steve Walker
In past columns of “Ask the Judge” we addressed the implementation of innovative programs such as mandated tutoring and requiring all truants obtain a public library card and write a two sided book report, on a book they checked out at the public library.
Let’s revisit those two programs in Pct. 2. As the retired teacher of 26 years, I discovered early on as Judge, that both were more viable alternatives to community service. Once implemented, I found them to be a more productive means of re-directing students back to the classroom and finishing their studies. It culminated in them walking the stage with diploma in hand. Following the old adage, “whatever works,” it has proved to be a valuable tool. Besides, it is more educational than punishment oriented.
Critics and detractors point out that writing a book report does nothing to inspire students to return to the classroom. As Judge and former teacher I wholeheartedly disagree. With over one thousand book reports later, it has reaped benefits along with mandated tutoring.
One of the first things I discovered in implementing the book report/public library card was the fact that most truants not only didn’t have a public library card, most had never visited a public library.
Just ensuring that students visit a public library is beneficial. Unlike many of us older folk who in our day visited a public library that only housed rows and rows of books on shelves filled with all size books, the newer public libraries have so much more to offer the student.
Besides books, libraries offer the internet, videos, movies, audio books, exhibits, even social interaction with others your own age and various forms of entertainment that families can share together while at the library.
Mandated tutoring is also a much more viable solution to truancy and even disorderly conduct by public school students. More times than not students disrupt a class because they don’t know the subject material in class and feel inadequate.
They act out because they don’t want their classmates to think they are stupid. Mandating the student to get tutoring in their subjects they don’t do well in, gives them a better self image. They choose the subject. Their choice is very telling. They can justify to their friends that they have to attend tutoring and save face. When they do well with the extra help, they are less likely to disrupt.
In Pct. 2 if the student who skips classes is actually a good student but misses due to boredom or something similar, we mandate that they peer tutor other students. We have seen students going back to school and tutoring their peers in Chemistry, Physics and Algebra! It works.
Lastly as always, if you are due in court, be sure to show up to court on time. It is in everyone’s best interest.
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran and a former Journalist. 48th consecutive week published in the Sunday issue of La Prensa.
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