Challenges to Working Through Schools
Both advocates and educators may face some daunting challenges, including:
Schools and educators struggle with many competing demands.
Prevention advocates understand that many competing demands may make it difficult for teachers and administrators to take on additional issues. Schools are struggling with budget cuts and layoffs, and this means educators are likely to be reluctant to take on anything new. Similarly, advocates recognize that educators face reforms focused on standardized tests, leaving little room for adding a focus on gender and violence.
Advocates and educators doubt prevention works, especially for young men and boys.
Advocates and school personnel alike are sometimes doubtful about the efficacy of prevention strategies, and often appear hesitant to engage boys and young men as allies in efforts to prevent violence. Simplistic approaches, too, are often fueled by a punitive “lock ’em up” trend in society. A punitive mentality tends to promote simplistic approaches. To make progress, educators must believe that prevention of gender-based violence is possible and be aware of the growing number of successful programs.
Advocates sometimes feel ill equipped to work in schools.
Violence prevention advocates may be reluctant to invest scarce resources into developing school-based domestic and sexual violence prevention programs. By building on the lessons of existing models, however, advocates can begin to develop the skills and resources they need to offer school-based programs in their communities.
Reflection Questions
- What do you see as some of the greatest challenges to working through schools?
- What are some possibilities for overcoming these challenges?
Discussion Board
Talk about some of the challenges to working through schools and share possible approaches.
