Leadership Challenges: Handling Sexual Assault on Campus and Promoting Socioemotional Learning

Joaquin, a 15-year-old Latino high school student, was arrested and removed from the Upward Bound (UB) program following a student-on-student sexual assault allegation. UB adopted a student-centered discipline approach that promoted socioemotional learning opportunities. However, the staff was regulated by complex state and federal policies and had not experienced severe student misconduct claims prior to 2018. This case illustrates how educational leaders grappled with disciplinary issues in a compensatory program with a strong pro-socioemotional learning policy. The case examines the legal, regulatory compliance, and policy issues that arise for leaders in upholding their commitment to socioemotional learning, while holding students accountable.

Overcoming Obstacles to Preparing for College

This research study examines the major obstacles low-income rural youth face in preparing to attend college and how to overcome these obstacles through the participation in an Upward Bound program. The data for this study are from a single-site of the regular (“Classic”) Upward Bound program at a public university in a rural New England state and include surveys and interviews with students, guidance counselors, and parents and/or guardians of Upward Bound students. The results of this study indicated that there are two primary barriers that low-income rural students face in preparing for college: financial and social. Students and parents considered applying to the program not only for academic reasons but also for financial and social reasons. Once enrolled in the program, rural students began to benefit academically, financially, and socially. The retention rate at this public university is significantly higher than the national retention rate reported by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. Several recommendations for practice for rural Upward Bound programs and high schools serving rural Upward Bound-eligible students are included.