NLA Discussion: Teenagers in ABE

[Sally McIntosh]

I find the majority of the teens who come into my program are truthfully
seeking a continuation of their education.  Many had some discipline
problems in high school, but feel the circumstances were out of their
control.  The remainder are "good" students who cannot work in the
disruptive environment of the present day high school. For the most part,
these youth learn quickly, and will work for 4 hours straight without a
break, very much in the same manner as their older adult ed classmates.  Of
course, if you are the kind of instructor who needs a quiet classroom, then
these young people will add some noise.  My classes have a consistent 60%
under 21 ratio to the 40% over 21 age.  The classes are all day, five days
per week.  By the way, I'd like to ask about the difference in the sexes in
classes.  Almost all youth are male, with a few female who try half
heartedly.  I have a few theories, but no hard research on the social
pressures and economic issues that cause this imbalance.  I teach full time
in a small, rural, economically depressed county in Georgia.
Sally McIntosh
Marshallville (Macon County) Georgia