Impoverished Schools Create Impoverished Adults

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Recommended: Relationship between poverty and academic achievement

One of the most common misconceptions when it comes to a student’s academic success in poverty stricken schools is that they are unwilling and unable to learn. This is not the case. Yes a child can determine their own education by choosing to do their work and be willing to learn, but you must take into consideration their circumstances. Most of these schools are very diverse, which leads them to be exposed to gangs, drugs, and violence. The achievement gap between these schools and more fortunate schools is wide. As well, these schools do not have the funding to afford supplies and materials to provide an education that meets standards.

The social diversity in our schools today is just one of the many factor’s poverty has introduced into our nations classrooms. This makes both teaching and learning much more difficult. Social issues have a significant impact on the development of a child’s education. High-mobility is one social symptom of poverty. Children who live in poverty may move around a lot. Their parents may have trouble finding jobs or financial problems, and resort to running away. Living conditions can affect their education and achievement. School attendance becomes irregular and often leads to transfers to new schools. Failed attempts to make friends may lead the students to give up and not bother.

Children often view each other as equal, no matter their economic status, but when they reach a certain age they become aware of those differences. A child of poverty may look at the way another student is dressed and feel insecure about themselves because their clothes aren’t as nice. They may also not be able to participate in extra-curricular activities schools host because their parents simply cannot afford it. O...

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...lso hire good, honest teachers who are willing to help these children succeed. The No Child Left Behind Act, which allows nonprofessionals to receive a teaching certificate at a faster rate, is a good example of those wanting to help these children succeed. States should also take into account the schools that need extra funding, and find a way to provide it to them, whether it be providing a little less to a wealthier school, or helping to hire good teachers for these less fortunate schools.

Works Cited

1. O. Hyde, Margaret, Kids In and Out of Trouble, New York: Penguin, 1995, Print.

2. “The Effects of Poverty on Teaching and Learning.” Teach-nology.com. Teachnology, N.D, Web.

3. Schmidt, Peer, Color and Money, New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007, Print.

4. L. Adams, Kathy, and Dale E. Adams. Urban Education. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2003, Print.

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