Imagine you are a high school principal. Choose one of the challenges listed below:
You receive a series of parent complaints that their daughters have noticed that the high school biology teacher never presents any examples of, or research from, female research scientists.
An area newspaper publishes an investigative report documenting that students of color at your school are more likely to be placed in lower tracks and appear to have lower average test scores than otherwise similar White students.
You attend a community meeting where local employers complain that the last three years of high school graduates have noticeably lower skills in answering phones and interacting in a professional manner with customers. Employers are concerned they may need to look elsewhere for qualified workers.
Prepare a response to the following questions (at least 250 words):
Why is the issue raised by the parent, reporter, or employer a concern to the person who raised it and/or the students directly affected?
Why is it a social problem? How does it impact society, rather than just individuals? Consider the three theoretical perspectives we have discussed.
Which theoretical perspective do you find most useful in explaining why the issue is a social problem? Why?
Based on your analysis of the problem through the lens of your chosen theory, describe two policies you would enact to address the issue.