In his farewell USA Today column, Richard Whitmire wrote that he believes black male students might benefit from President-elect Barack Obama being a symbol of success. In his report, he mentions that these students are seemingly lagging behind every other group academically. He added, “Black female students are much more likely to earn good grades, complete high school, and go on to college.”

Obama often states that success begins with ‘good’ parenting and setting limits within the home. We all know that a successful education depends on the right academic atmosphere. Teachers do not only deal with reluctant learners, but also those who are defiant in behavior.

Students who present oppositional behavior tend to have a pattern of negative interactions with others. They not only defy their parents, but their teachers and friends as well. It isn’t usually wise to put yourself in a power struggle with someone of this nature.

When facing a situation like this, remind yourself to stay calm, focus on other people or situations, give the person some time and space, use an appropriate tone when engaged in conversation, and discuss things briefly and privately.

Many educators have found success in making their oppositional student a class helper. They attempt to channel the student’s energy in a positive direction. The greatest problem is that these characters possess a strong desire for control. Therefore, these students can be asked to take care of class pets, read to a buddy or younger student, or serve as a project coordinator.

Today, many educators are being asked to consider the phrase, “Failure is not an option.” Yet, some might believe that this will create a handicap for students. Questions are being asked such as, “How do we hold students accountable for doing their work and meeting a given deadline?

Are we teaching them that second chances are just as important as being responsible? Do we expect them to miss work as an adult and expect to be given multiple chances to improve their work ethic?”

Some people fear that bad grades may encourage dropouts and lower a student’s self-esteem. Many schools nationwide are reporting that they do not allow any grade lower than a D. In some schools, an ‘H’ is used to represent a grade that is being ‘held’ or an ‘I’ is used to symbolize an assignment that is ‘incomplete.’

Recently, teachers have been asked to change the weight of a homework grade to a lower percentage than an assessment or project grade. Children are failing and many people are not sure why. The question remains, “Are schools failing students or are families failing students?”

As a parent and an educator, I think I know the answer to this one.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne. 

Her column appears regularly in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.