Sunday, March 12, 2017

Educational Issue: Poverty Reflection

The paper written by team two presented well-organized, clear, and informational explanation of how poverty influences schools, students, and teachers. It was interesting to read about the history behind the topic of poverty, and how legislation passed by Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan impacted The War on Poverty and its impact on education. It is unfortunate that history still rings true in the sense that many student’s educational success can be dependent on socio-economic status, much like it was in the 1700’s.

That being stated, the paper was filled with helpful recommendations for teachers who experience poverty among their own students. Some of the recommendation included allowing time for homework, incorporating physical activities to blow off steam, and show how education can serve as a vessel to upward mobility. These were all great ideas that I see myself incorporating into my classroom. After I read this paper, I actually did a little further research of ideas other teaching professionals had on using physical activities to help blow off steam. Little things such as asking student to close their eyes for a five-minute meditation, or taking time out of class to play a fun game are both ways to help students handle their stress.


If school can be a place where students living in poverty seek comfort, then us educators need to make sure we are providing them with a nurturing environment to seek refuge in. Once students have their primary needs met, they will be more likely to focus on their education.

No comments:

Post a Comment