2. Poverty in Childhood Exposure to inadequate / inappropriate educational experiences a child at-risk for academic failure very young, single or low educational level parents unemployment abuse and neglect substance abuse dangerous neighborhoods homelessness; mobility
3. History of poverty in the US In 2005, the federal "poverty line" $16,090 for a family of three $19,350 for a family of four 12.7 % (37 million people) were living in poverty Worse for children and teens 17.8 percent of U.S. children & teens in poverty Higher among African Americans and Hispanic Americans More prevalent in some parts of the country
4. Background effects of poverty maternal education early childhood behavior Poverty had an effect on both academic failure and extreme delinquency
5. Neuroscience of Poverty Brain based research theory of learning: students build understandings based on prior knowledge and experiences Intellectual development is gradual and dependent on external stimulation Deprivation, as may be the case for children of poverty intellectual development will likely be delayed Cortisol, a stress hormone, results in emotional volatility under these conditions learn in concrete ways, not abstract needs to be considered when planning lessons and when considering classroom management
6. Risk factors for children Family/parents mental and physical health Parenting is a critical process affecting many developmental outcomes for children living in poverty Parent ability is weakened by living in poverty conditions and by the emotional and psychological stress associated with living in poverty take their anger out on the children Children born with birth defects, death have many health problems have decayed and unfilled teeth
7. Parenting & poverty Among poor parents parenting style punitive and coercive, less consistent & involvement in school activities is lower The parent-child relationship primary context for early behavioral social cognitive development negative effects on parents due to poverty factors in turn have a negative effect on the development of the child
8. Lack of parental support less capacity of support Less consistency in their parenting provide less vocal and emotional stimulation less responsive to their children’s needs model less sophisticated language
9. Childs mental & physical health Malnutrition lack of money for new clothes, lack of water born with birth defects, Low birth weight, death Serious physical disabilities grade repetition, learning disabilities school dropout lack of emotional nurturing feelings of alienation, inadequacy, depression, anxiety Aggression, impulsive behavior, social withdrawal Emotional security and self-esteem are often lacking negative self-status can literally zap the motivation to learn
10. Educational issues for at-risk students at-risk children who are likely to fail in school or in life because of their life’s social circumstances Increase risk of delays need for special education programs
11. Developmental/Socio-emotional effects in the classroom The rise in poverty has contributed to making classrooms more diverse Transfer to a new school becomes the norm no records from their previous schools challenging for schools to place them in classrooms hostility or be totally withdrawn school attendance is often irregular
22. Benefit of interventions for children in poverty 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 Classroom environments that are safe and trusting can enhance learning
23. Adaptations Teachers can inform parents of simple, time-efficient ways to help their children at home Teachers can provide literature and articles for parents to read on parenting issues. Teachers and schools can schedule conferences and activities at school, community centers or locations more accessible to families without transportation Teachers should keep parents informed of what is going on in the classroom and encourage parents to talk to their children about school In order to help motivate students, a teaching style that engages all or most of the students, with the goal of exciting students about learning
24. Consequences/possible solutions for poverty among children Poverty should not be an excuse for us to expect less from children/students There are numerous issues and challenges that interfere with optimal learning Education is likely the one chance to break the poverty cycle and escape It is actually one of the best reasons for them to succeed
