Motivational English for At-Risk Students: A Language Arts Course That Works

Motivational English for At-Risk Students is a practical, easily implemented 1-year course designed to improve the reading and writing skills of youth at risk. The course is based on a 20-week IBM computerized literacy program called PALS (Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System). The first chapter begins with a discussion of creating an innovative learning environment in this case, a professional office setting. Students are asked to conduct themselves as professionals in the workplace, which leads to increased personal and social responsibility. The second chapter is devoted to self-esteem, a crucial requisite for learning. This chapter includes specific motivational strategies, the involvement of peers, and grading policies. Chapter 3 addresses cooperative learning and includes numerous learning activities. The next several chapters are devoted to course content, such as the writing process, reading comprehension, a whole language approach to literature, vocabulary development, career exploration, goal setting, and job skills. The final two chapters address the importance of parental promotion of personal responsibility, and the teacher as a public relations specialist who can build powerful links between the school, business, community, and parents in order to develop partnerships.