by Phyllis Grimes

Created on: September 18, 2009   Last Updated: September 20, 2009

The socioeconomic status of students impacts their opportunities for academic and behavioral success at school. Students will likely succeed when they have the resources they need. On the other hand, there are numerous studies that show the correlation between low economic status and low achievement, and it is the responsibility of teachers to address those barriers that prevent students from learning and to provide increased opportunities for all students.

Some of the main challenges teachers face when there are wide income disparities within the classroom include:

1) Creating a classroom environment where cultural sensitivity, equality and respect are promoted,

2) Ensuring students are coming to school ready to learn,

3) Increasing parent involvement in education,

4) Improving literacy and cognitive skills.

Challenge #1- Creating a Classroom where Cultural-Sensitivity, Equality and Respect are Promoted.

Strategy #1) Practicing Self-awareness

The very first step requires the practice of self-awareness on the part of the teacher. Every individual carries pre-conceived notions that need to be explored and re-explored. The teacher is the role model and therefore should be checking his or her attitudes, assumptions, and beliefs to ensure they are not negatively impacting instruction. For example, would the teacher secretly prefer not to have the smelly student who comes in dirty and wearing the same clothes day after day? Or, is the teacher jealous of the high school student who has more money and owns a nicer car than she does? Does the teacher feel resentment that he has to find an interpreter for all of the Spanish-speaking parents for conferences? Is there the assumption that the child of two doctors should be able to grasp concepts quicker that children from impoverished backgrounds?

Teachers can also participate in continuing education and trainings on topics, such as cultural competence and understanding poverty. For example, in A Framework for Understanding Poverty (2003), Ruby Payne explains that it is important for teachers to understand the hidden rules of each socioeconomic class. These rules govern how the students think, learn, and interact with others. Schools are based on middle-class hidden rules and norms, and teachers have to directly teach the differences and what is expected at school. Often the expectations at school are very different from those at home.

When the teacher sets the stage for all students and their families to be treated

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• Next Page >>