20/20 Highlights Impact of Economy on Students

I just finished watching this piece from 20/20 highlighting the impact the economy is having on students in the United States. What a powerful message to educators across our country!

When a high school teacher realized how many of his students' families were in financial trouble, he encouraged them to make a video presentation about their trials and tribulations. It is one of the most moving 8 1/2 minutes you will ever see. In fact, President Obama referenced the video in his recent speech on education.

There were two aspects of this class project that I found to be particularly thought provoking. The first was obviously, is our school system doing everything we can to help students in economic need? Are we being tenacious enough in identifying who these needy students are and diligent in assuring they receive the help they need? What is the role of the public school as a social service agency? These were all thought provoking questions that I struggled with while watching these students pour their hearts out on video.

However, I also found myself drawn to the teacher who cared enough about his students to allow them the opportunity to share their feelings with one another. He saw a learning opportunity and served as the classroom facilitator in completing this project. Not only did his creativity and caring allow these students to realize they shared a common bond, but they also got to meet President Obama! In the 20/20 video, the emotion these students showed towards their teacher was indeed powerful. His students knew that he cares about them, which is an essential bond in any successful classroom.