As I closely monitored the podcast, I was able to perceive some compelling points of view relating to the topic of teaching students who are in poverty. Many students simply cannot focus on academics because there basic needs like shelter or food are not being met. The problem is not as simple as the individuals not having jobs as explains the majority of people are working but the issue is that they are simply not earning. An example of this is at fast food chains like McDonalds the average person in employment is 34 years old, and makes minimum wage. Teachers must be empathetic and willing to be supportive of the needs of their students who are in poverty. Circumstances of trivial matters like homework not being done, seems insignificant when students are dealing with real-life situations like gangs or not having a proper place to sleep. Prior to this assignment I hadn’t realized if the many different tiers, circumstances, and types of poverty. The aspect of poverty cannot be lumped into one category there are many different types, situational, generational, relative, and even urban/rural poverty. Additionally, communities in poverty have their own culture, and it can be extremely difficult for teachers who are entering these neighborhoods from middle or upper class environments to relate or have a genuine understanding of the conditions. Also knowing of the supports outside of teaching, like outreach programs can help students beyond academics. I have been exposed to the term, “situational awareness” as Nancy Blair rationalizes the need for educators to be aware of difficulties that students may be faced with like “how to bail someone out of jail?” or “Where the best dumpsters are to get food?” which are often questions that poverish individuals may have to ask themselves verses the average person who may have no clue. The whole child concept states “A whole child approach, which ensures that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged, sets the standard for comprehensive, sustainable school improvement and provides for long-term student success.” (wholechildeducation.org 2014). The key question in mind is how in reality, can we in the education community hold expectations for students in poverty stricken environments to acquire knowledge when in most cases their very basic needs are not being met. The very question still remains unanswered, however the educators in the podcast identified many crucial points on the perpetual issue.
Resources:
Blair, Nancy Davis, Rafranz Whitby, Tom. Podcast: Teaching Students in Poverty Retrieved from: http://www.bamradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1397:jackstreet54&catid=89:edtech-radio&Itemid=276
Website: The Whole Child Approach to Education. http://www.wholechildeducation.org/about
How can we live in the 21st century and a great amount of children are learning how to bail someone out of jail or to find a dumpster to get food? I child should be complaining about how much homework they have and don’t have time to go outside and play rather than to cry herself out because is hungry or cold. You also mentioned a cruel reality and that is of the middle/upper class teachers that cannot relate to the harsh environment many children have to face every day. We need to be aware of our environment and how our children are coping with it. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHello Ashley! I really appreciated your blog post discussion this week. One part that particularly stood out for me is when you mentioned that people living in poverty have their own culture which is difficult for “outsiders” to truly understand or even relate to. This made me think of the comment Dr. Grace made about how sometimes when we as outsiders try to intervene or assist with issues of poverty we are not greeted with the enthusiasm we hoped for or expected. This relates to what you mentioned above. Often times these people have lost hope and are so beaten down and broken that they view this aid as an insult. As Dr. Grace mentioned, they view this help as superficial, it will only last for a few months or that people are just trying to get the praise for their good deeds. She explains that we really need to know and understand the community and the people for help to be worthwhile or beneficial (Laureate Education, Inc. 2014).
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley! Great Post! It is really sad that children cannot focus on academics because their basic needs are not being met! I agree that teachers should be willing to support children that are living poverty. Knowing that at least one person is looking out for them can make a world of difference in their lives.
ReplyDeleteYou make such great points in your post. That podcast sounds so interesting. It's so true how many misconceptions people have in regards to poverty. I can't imagine how hard it must be for these children and families. The thought that they discuss which dumpster has the best food makes me so sad. You are right, teachers need to be more in tune to what is happening outside the classroom. They need to be sensitive and look to support not ridicule. Thank you for the descriptive post
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