"THE BAD KIDS" Documentary

"The Bad Kids" is a documentary that follows the journeys of three high school students: Joey, Lee, and Jennifer at Black Rock High School in Yucca Valley, California. Black Rock is a last chance alternative school for truants or students at risk of dropping out. Students work at earning their degree at their own pace in this small rural community. These students would like the chance to escape the cycle of poverty they are emersed in. 

The principal and driving force of the school is Vonda Viland. Ms. Viland empowers her students through tough love and helps them face adversities such as teen parenthood, violence, sexual abuse, and substance abuse. What's different about this school is that the staff and teachers are a united front to help students plan and reach for higher goals. The principal gives wake-up calls, picks up students for school, and acknowledges the struggles of her students. Teachers empower their students by recognizing and celebrating achievements. Students monitor their own progress and make their own decisions. No one is forced to go to school. 


major take-aways

What struck me most was the attitude and transparency of Ms. Viland, the principal. I was impressed how she shared with students some of her own struggles. I would like to be more assertive and frank with my students to help them see the truth of what they really are and what they can accomplish.

I would like to be better at addressing and acknowledging the emotions of my students This documentary reminded me that it’s OK to be overwhelmed. We all feel that way but there is power in believing in yourself. When my students get overwhelmed I can remind them to take it one step at a time. As students make progress in the right direction, they gain momentum develop resiliency.

I was also reminded of the importance of getting to know my students better. Whenever possible, I want to be aware of the trauma, influences, and background of my students so I can understand their actions and help them cope.

  connections

The students showcased in this movie were born into life circumstances that put them at greater risk for the Cradle to Prison Pipeline. The Cradle to Prison Pipeline is a symbolic representation of the slippery slope some children are predisposed to that leads to incarceration. These inequalities and disadvantages can add up quickly and send children on the wrong course. Risk factors include family composition (single or teen parent, substance abusing parent, parent in prison, and parent abandoning the home), lack of health care, babies born at low birth weight, abuse or neglect during childhood, foster care placements, poor school quality and experience with the juvenile justice system (p. 17-18, Children's Defense Fund).


changes

What changes are needed to divert students away from the pipeline?

Specific changes I could make is to explicitly teach social skills and social thinking. For example, I could spend more time reinforcing conflict resolution skills and develop exercises that strengthen classroom friendships and empathy.

As a school, I would like to see more collaboration amongst the staff. I would be helpful to check in with each other, talk about the needs and concerns of our students, and encourage each other to take care of ourselves first. The way Black Rock did this was enlightening.

In my community, I would like to see attention and resources devoted to children earlier. “Better matching youth with trauma services that can reduce the impact of traumatic stress (National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice). Every child needs access to health insurance and care, positive role models, protection from neglect, safe neighborhoods, quality education, job training and community support. Care-givers, educators, and mental health providers need trauma informed training and support. Our local foster care system needs more permanent home placements. There should be more collaboration across systems: schools, parents, mental health support services, juvenile justice systems, and court systems.

My favorite quote from Jennifer, “We cannot control the events that happened to us but we can choose not to be reduced by them" (Fulton & Pepe, The Bad Kids).

References:

A report of the children's defense fund: American's cradle to prison pipeline [PDF]. (2007). Washington, DC: Children's Defense Fund.

Fulton, K., & Pepe, L. (Directors). (2016). The Bad Kids[Motion picture online]. United States: Sundance.

Trauma among youth in the juvenile justice system [PDF]. (2016). Delmar, NY: National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice