These stereotypes persist despite new research that provides a much more complex picture of students at risk.
Recent research emphasizes the ways in which schools contribute to poor student performance.
Yet we should not overlook the harm that may be caused by problems outside school, problems that may or may not be related to societal factors. In almost every school, regardless of students' race and class, teachers can identify children who underachieve because of problems beyond school walls. These children may feel that nobody cares about them. Without this support, children become at risk. Specifically, neonatal conditions, quality of health, family characteristics, peer influences, community climate and resources, and social status are influenced by support networks and affect students' readiness to learn.