Poverty
Unfortunately, poverty is a significant and growing
problem in the United States. I must
admit poverty runs much deeper in the brain than I ever thought. We know children raised in poverty face an
uphill climb in many aspects of life.
Various research data shows children growing up in poverty complete less schooling, work
and earn less as adults, are more likely to receive public assistance, and have
poorer health. A childhood in poverty
often includes a lifetime of setbacks. The
achievement gap in schooling is also very bleak.
So how can
educators combat this ever growing problem?
I personally think it starts with relationship building, relationships
within the school and relationships with parents and families. While a challenge, developing
positive relationships with parents and families of low socio-economic status
and getting them involved with their children's education and school activities
is a must.
The living environment of many children in poverty
is high-stress, so one of our most pressing concerns should be to keep the
stress level in the classroom low. We
need to keep in mind that classroom environments that are safe and trusting can
enhance learning. Classroom environments
should be high in challenge and low in threat.
Parents, regardless of their socio-economic status,
love their children and want them to succeed. Many of these parents need to learn strategies
that can help them cope and help their children get a chance at breaking the
cycle of poverty. We need to work
together so we can provide the necessary supports and resources that will help
break the cycle.
