Poverty: A Growing Factor Affecting Education

Last week in my blog, I examined the recent issue of teacher layoffs in what many called “Pink Slip Friday.” This week, I chose to investigate the affects of poverty on education. The first blog I read was by Thomas J. Hanson, a retired school superintendent with 31 years of experience in the field of education. Hanson’s blog reflected the recent rise in poverty and how it affects not only the students, but also the teachers and staff. Many schools are no longer able to keep social workers on staff, which leads teachers to be put into a role that they do not necessarily feel comfortable nor qualified in. Additionally, Hanson addresses the impact of poverty on a child’s capacity to learn. The PBS special posted in his blog looks at the repercussions of children growing up homeless especially focusing on a 5th grade boy named Tiberius and his struggles. The second blog that I chose to explore is written by one of my favorite education bloggers, Jim Horn, PhD. Horn’s blog assesses how useful breakfast is for children taking standardized tests. After analyzing a Philadelphia Inquirer article on the topic, he concludes that teachers only encourage in-class meal services during test weeks when their teaching is being assessed. The outcome of the standardized tests is directly correlated with a teacher’s salary. Teachers will most likely take all the steps to help children succeed during test week, including encouraging in class breakfast service. However, the issue that arises is that teachers only encourage this breakfast service during test week, when they too are being assessed on how much each student has learned. Since the recession, the rate of poverty has increased drastically causing more students to come to school hungry each day. Teachers, social workers, and advocacy groups are working hard to ensure that poverty will not be a crutch in the lives of many students while encouraging them to succeed at the highest level.

"Poverty and Education - The Challenge of Improving Schools"
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I really enjoyed reading your blog on the effects of poverty on education. With the rates of homeless children increasing, the role of teachers and social workers is also increasing. Social workers at schools work hard to try and lighten the load of the hard life style that students face by offering counseling, clothing, and other resources. It was devastating to read that many social workers will lose their jobs because schools lack enough funding to keep them on staff. This will place teachers into a role that forces them to have to deal with other aspects of student’s lives outside of academics, a role that most teachers cannot handle or do not want. Teachers are challenged daily to inspire students to strive higher. I could not imagine how difficult it must be to motivate 25 plus students on a daily basis, each with their own issues. The PBS documentary that you featured in your blog raised many important issues and gave viewers and readers a glimpse into the harsh reality of the effects of the recession. Many times people look at a school as a whole and not at the individual students. This blog and the PBS documentary brought up the often-overlooked fact that growing up homeless causes children to have emotional problems. Tiberius was used as a key example of this in the PBS documentary. He impressed me with his ability to articulate his feelings of sadness and lack of confidence because of his homelessness. This glimpse into Tiberius’s life showed that he was wise beyond his years. Students growing up homeless are never given a break; they are challenged inside and outside of the classroom. While the teachers know of these challenges, I think it is beneficial that they do not “under teach” homeless students. Mr. Hannemann’s approach to teaching was extremely valuable to Tiberius’s future because he treated him like every other student in the class instead of just letting him slip through the cracks of the education system. Although Mr. Hannemann was able to show success with Tiberius, many teachers are not able to do the same because homeless children tend to miss several days of class and then it is difficult for them to catch up in their school work. What do you believe would be the best way to keep homeless children in school? If you could address Secretary Duncan, what plan of action would you propose he take? Additionally, how can schools keep these beneficial social workers through the tough times of budget cuts and layoffs? Thank you for posting such an interesting blog that truly examines the affect of poverty on the future of education in public schools.

"During Test Week the Poor Kids Get Breakfast in Philly"
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In reading your article, I was intrigued with the teachers outlook on whether or not an impoverished student should be given breakfast during the school day. I completely agree that, “Principals should be evaluated on whether they ensure children eat breakfast.” Principals need to be the voice and the backbone of the school. With the growing rate of poverty, educators should do everything possible to set students up to succeed, even in difficult circumstances. I was appalled by some of the teachers when I read the Philadelphia Inquirer article that you included in your post. It is shocking that some teachers would rather have a student go hungry than to allow them to eat breakfast in first period. While I agree with a “no excuses” standpoint, I believe that there needs to be some guidelines instilled. Teachers do not necessarily need to give homeless students preferential treatment, but they should focus on ways to help them succeed. Although scientific research has proven a positive correlation with breakfast and learning, many teachers neglect apply this to daily life. It is pathetic for some teachers to only want students to eat breakfast during test weeks when they too are being evaluated, instead of being concerned with student’s constant success and well being. With “one third of poor kids coming to school hungry every day”, action needs to be taken.
In reading your blog several questions came to mind and I was hoping to hear your opinion. What do you think would be a successful way to implement breakfast into a daily school routine? What are the flaws of having an in class breakfast service? What action do you think Secretary Duncan can take to improve homeless student’s success in the classroom? In another blog that I read on the same topic, the issue of laying off several school social workers was brought up, how big of an impact do you believe the reduction of social workers will have on the homeless students? Do you think teachers can fulfill this duel role they may be given? Thank you so much for your input and perspective on this crucial topic. I look forward to your response!