Discussion 1

Key Family System Processes

Four aspects of family life are described that have been strongly tied to student academic achievement, and they are (a) family beliefs and expectations, (b) family patterns of emotional connectedness, (c) family organizational patterns, and (d) family patterns around learning. Choose one of the key components and add at least three additional points/suggestions to contribute to a students' success. Use these new points in addition to those listed in the text to create a plan to be implemented by either the family or the teacher to enhance your chosen component. Support your new points with at least one reference, in addition to the text.

Discussion 2

Responding to Crisis of Stress

As a teacher, you need to be familiar with the various types of stressors than can precipitate a crisis for both students and families. Reflect on the many types of crisis or stress a student or a student's family may be experiencing. Review Figure 5.1 in your text, choose one Horizontal Stressor and discuss how you will address this issue with your student and family. Include suggestions and at least two outside resources for both the individual student and the family as a whole.