Teaching Vulnerable Learners: Strategies for Students who are Bored, Distracted, Discouraged, or Likely to Drop Out

When schools fail to address the problems of struggling students, the consequences can be dire: course failures, absenteeism, suspensions or expulsions, dropouts. Those effects continue to ripple after school with lower rates of college attendance and graduation, underemployment and lower wages and even incarceration. Yet many of these students can experience a very different trajectory when their learning difficulties are addressed. Whether it’s a student with ADHD who has trouble sitting still, a student just arrived from abroad who speaks no English or a traumatised student who dissociates in class; there are strategies that have proven effective in overcoming the hurdles they face. This guide will help teachers recognise the most common barriers to learning and apply solutions that will work in their classrooms.

About the Author :
Suzy Pepper Rollins is an author, speaker, and consultant based in Athens, Georgia, who works with schools across North America to create academic success for all students. She is also the founder of Math in the Fast Lane and MyEdExpert.com.

Review :
Suzy Pepper Rollins' book is an excellent resource at a time when teachers are seeing more and more vulnerable students in their classrooms...helping both veteran and new teachers...[with] data, strategies, and a clear understanding of the real world struggles that caring, passionate teachers face every day.-- "MiddleWeb" The word 'vulnerable' has been untapped in education and is absolutely brilliant when you think about disengaged learners, at-risk students, or potential drop-outs. These students are not incapable, but vulnerable to our adult-driven educational systems.--Dr. Rick Jetter, educator, national consultant, cofounder of Pushing Boundaries, and author of six books including the highly acclaimed Let Them Speak! Suzy Pepper Rollins leaves no stone unturned in her quest to help all vulnerable learners. Looking beyond the usual suspects, she has chapters on ELL and gifted students, bringing light to the fact that all groups have learners who are vulnerable. With practical advice and specific strategies, this book shows educators how we can identify and help these children.--Todd Stanley, author of many teacher education books, including Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students and Authentic Learning These uncomplicated strategies tap into learners' prior knowledge with academic-social-emotional connections that promote self-efficacy, practice, feedback, inquiry, and relatability. Learn to diminish vulnerabilities with classroom climates and instructional procedures that prepare and accept all students.--Toby Karten, inclusion consultant, author of more than 30 books and reference guides, including Building on the Strengths of Students with Special Needs Expertly written, organized and presented...an ideal curriculum textbook and especially suited for school district in-service training programs. Impressively informative and showcasing practical strategies and techniques for engaging problematic students in the classroom based learning process, Teaching Vulnerable Learners is very highly recommended for school district, college, and university library Teacher Education collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. -- "Midwest Book Review" In Teaching Vulnerable Learners, Suzy Pepper Rollins grabs every reader by the shoulders, looks them straight in the eye, and commands them to turn their attention to the most fragile learners in our midst. Her wisdom is a gift, and the structures, tools, and guidance she offers are pathways toward a brighter future for learners, teachers, and parents.--Angela Stockman, teacher, professional learning facilitator, and author of Creating Inclusive Writing Environments in the K-12 Classroom (2020)