Finding the Solution: Easy!

A team brings to my attention a student who is struggling. The freshman is failing a class, struggling to get to school on time, or having behavioral issues. We start digging. Initial narrative pieces are gathered. I often do a cum folder review. I will interview the student. A teacher or I will contact the parent and do a structured interview. Layers of information start forming.

Below I’ve included our best questions for stirring up insights into what’s going on; however, the purpose of this post is get to one sentence:

The solution is one step away from the problem in the right direction.

That’s it. That sentence has been so helpful to me in attending to tough situations. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the depth of the problem, and it brings pause. That is not the right response. The right response is . . .

The solution is one step away from the problem in the right direction.

As we demonstrate hope for our freshmen, this is where we have to start. We will not be able to solve problems that are rooted in family dysfunction or a history of academic failure, but I firmly believe we can take one step in the right direction and bring about welcome change.

Here are the questions that we use:

Student Interview Questions:

10= Very Good; 1 = Very Poor

How is school?: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Effort              : 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Home              : 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Do you have a job?

Tell me about how you get to school/back.

Who are you living with?

Are you involved in any extra-curricular?

What do you want to do after high school?

Are you taking any medication to help you at school?

Parent Interview Questions:

1. In an effort to get to know your son/daughter, what does he/she do well?

2. What are some areas of concern? 

3. Do you have any concerns about drug or alcohol use?

4. What is your son/daughter telling you about high school?

5. Have there been any major changes at home in the last year?

6. Are there any health concerns?

7. What occupies your son/daughter’s time outside of school?

8. Are you aware that he/she has missed ________ days of school?

9. Are you aware of his/her grades?

10. Is there any other information that might be helpful in helping your son/daughter find success at WHS?

11. Do you have any questions for me?

Additional Questions added at the meeting:

Thank you for your time. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.