1. These Families Those Families: Deconstructing the Poverty Argument Beth Harry Equity Forum March 1, 2011

2. The Poverty Argument Poverty accounts for: Lack of motivation Poor behavior Low IQ scores High drop-out rate Disproportionality in Special Ed

3. The List of Deficits Ravitch: “It’s poverty” Ruby Payne: family cultural deficit Hart & Risley: family language deficit Berliner: family income deficit NRC: family and environmental deficit

4. The Big Picture: Societal Structure Deficit Kozol: School structure Racial and income segregation School cultures School resources Anyon: Societal structure Minimum wage Transportation Health care School funding

5. Missing Link (a): Deficit Defined by Middle-Class Norms IQ score does not equal intelligence Different language register does not equal language skill/ability Different behaviors do not equal behavioral disorder:

6. Missing Link (b): Poor Kids Get Poor Schools HOW? Funding formulas Lower salaries Weak teachers, administrators Limited curriculum High-stakes testing Quick fixes Low expectations Family stereotyping

7. Missing Link (c): Family Resilience The facts of poverty are evident Purpose is not to romanticize poverty or poor families; rather to inspire Thankful for the big picture books (Anyon, Kozol, Hart & Risley, Berliner) But I’m going to offer you some close- up pictures of hope, promise, resilience, family strength

8. Robert: I’m a Gangsta, Tha’s Why!

9. Jacintha Why do I have 9 kids? Because I just love having kids. I love being a mother. “To Robert, with love, from Mom and Dad, Christmas, 1999” Baby – bring momma’s pen. Robert needs help. Please do something! Robert’s Mom

10. Kanita: She Just Wants Her Momma

11. Kanita’s Family Grandma: There’s nothing wrong with her. She just wants her momma.” Grandma: Would you like to see my album? Cousin: Is Kanita going to college? EBD Teacher: What’s she doing here?

12. Silvia: A Very Happy Person

14. Silvia’s Mom Es una persona muy contenta” Este problema tengo yo - que ya esta grande y no sabe leer nada. Eso es lo que quiero, que ella aprenda a leer, porque sin sabe leer no sabe nada”