在昆明丑小鸭，观察“问题学生”和他们的家长

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the unique educational approach of "Ugly Duckling School," which caters to students labeled as "problematic" by their parents, focusing on mental health and personal development rather than traditional academic success [1][2][12]. Group 1: School Background and Student Demographics - "Ugly Duckling School" has enrolled over 3,000 students since its establishment in 2011, primarily from first-tier cities, with current enrollment of about 80 students [2][5]. - The school charges approximately 40,000 yuan per semester (around 5,600 USD) and offers summer camps [2][5]. - Many students are sent to the school due to issues like rebellion, depression, and gaming addiction, often at the behest of parents who feel unable to manage their children [2][3]. Group 2: Student Experiences and Mental Health Issues - Students like 12-year-old Du Lin exhibit various emotional and behavioral challenges, including anxiety and difficulty in social interactions, often exacerbated by parental pressure [3][4]. - A significant increase in students with depression and anxiety has been noted since 2020, with estimates suggesting that about 70% of new students may suffer from these issues [6][7]. - A study by Tsinghua University indicated that 16.4% of adolescents face varying degrees of depression risk, highlighting a growing concern for youth mental health [6]. Group 3: Educational Philosophy and Practices - The school emphasizes autonomy and self-identity, allowing students to make decisions regarding activities and personal expression, which helps mitigate the negative psychological impacts of being labeled as "problematic" [9][10]. - The school has no strict dress code or library borrowing requirements, promoting a relaxed environment where students can engage in various activities [10][11]. - A points system has been implemented to encourage positive behavior, allowing students to earn privileges through good conduct and academic performance [10]. Group 4: Teacher and Parental Involvement - Teachers at "Ugly Duckling School" often face challenges due to the unique needs of the students, with many leaving due to the mismatch between their expectations and the reality of teaching "problematic" students [7][8]. - Parents frequently express concerns about their children's experiences at the school, with some resorting to deceptive tactics to enroll their children [6][12]. - The school's founder, Zhan Dazhong, believes that the existence of such schools is a reflection of the pressures of the traditional education system, which often overlooks individual student needs [12][20].