Justin Callahan is the assistant principal at Central School Elementary in a large urban school district. During his seven years at the school, he has come to know children from many different backgrounds and with many different types of problems. He

Question

has also seen many bright and successful students come and go. One fall afternoon, Daisy Alvarez, a high school guidance counselor from the school located a few block away, stops by his office. She sits down and tells Justin she has an idea. “Justin, you know I’ve been working with a group of kids from my school who have completed drug treatment programs. They are good kids and need some activities that will keep them off the streets. I would like to have them tutor some of your students. They could walk over during the day and read to your students or help them with homework. Or, they could help your teachers to grade papers or run other errands. What do you think of my ideas?”
From the information presented in the chapter, what advantages might exist for elementary children who are exposed to adolescents? What disadvantages might exist? What advantages might exist for adolescents who work with children? What disadvantages might exist? If you were Justin Callahan would you do it?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Justin Callahan might consider that elementary students interacting with adolescents who are drug-free are exposed to good role models. They learn that drugs do not have to be a part of everyday life. However if any of the adolescents returns to drugs, serious problems could arise. Parents might accuse Justin of brining drug abusers into the school. On the other hand, Daisy Alvarez will be providing a positive, healthy activity for her students as an alternative to less prosocial behaviors. Working with elementary students might convince them that planning for the future and setting goals are important endeavors.