Changing your….. *Mindset *School *Classroom *Outcomes

Effects of Poverty at Home and School Think of a student or family that you know might be living in poverty. Do these apply? Students of Poverty Effects of Poverty at Home and School Exposed to adverse social and physical environments Difficulty establishing rewarding friendships with children their own age Fewer and less supportive networks Often receive less positive reinforcement from teachers than well-off children Chaotic, unstable households If parents did poorly in school, there may be a negative attitude about child’s school Single parenthood strains resources leading to poor attendance, lower grades, lower chances of attending college Parents are often unwilling to get involved in school functions, contact school or attend conferences Parents do not know names of children’s teachers or friends Left home alone, take care of younger siblings; caregivers work long hours

ACTION STEP….Deepen staff understanding “Many non-minority or middle class teachers cannot understand why children from poor backgrounds act the way they do at school…..” “Empathy and cultural knowledge are essential.” p.11 Students who are “acting out”, are often displaying a symptom of the effects of poverty and a condition such as chronic stress disorder…. ACTION STEP….Change the school culture from pity to empathy Pity Lowered expectations Empathy Students appreciate your ability to know what it’s like to be in their shoes

What you see…. “Acting Out” behaviors Impatience or Impulsivity Gaps in politeness and social graces More limited range of behavior responses Inappropriate emotional responses Less empathy for others misfortunes

What you can do…. TEACH the proper responses that you are not seeing DEMONSTRATE appropriate emotional responses and when to use them Let students PRACTICE applying them

Chapter 3… IQ’s CAN CHANGE!!

Schoolwide success factors SHARE Support of the Whole Child Hard Data Accountability Relationship Building Enrichment Mindset

Classroom-Level Success factors SHARE Standards-Based Curriculum and Instruction Hope Building Arts, Academics, and Advanced Placememt Retooling the Operating System Engaging Instruction

High-Poverty Schools Making it Happen Throughout this book you will find: Theory and Research High-Poverty Schools Making it Happen Action Steps Data to Support Encouragement Challenges

THINK THINK THINK THINK

YOU?