Many are aware that at-risk learners have low self-esteem. A new book, NutureShock (by Bo Bronson & Asley Merryman, Twelve) has the latest research on self-esteem. The books says that high self-esteem doesn’t improve grades, reduce anti-social behavior, deter alcohol drinking or do anything good for children. In fact according to the book, telling kids how smart they are may be counter productive.
According to Mr. Bronson & Ms. Merryman, dropout programs and anti-drug programs do not work. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program developed in 1983 by the Los Angeles Police Department, D.A.R.E. materials are being used in 80% of American school districts. The program has no long-term and only mild short-term effects according to the book.