Poverty & Education Reflection

Poverty & Education Reflection

Stephanie Harryman

March 24, 2014

My article was Poverty and Education by R.W. Connell. I have not begun my teaching career, yet. However, I feel that it is important that teachers should be the center of the work force and the curriculum. We ultimately know our students, and have the most power to affect their educational experiences. I like that Connell states that in his article. I think it is very unfortunate that so many children are discriminated against, left behind, etc. because of their lack of resources. I feel that school should be a safe, equal and healthy environment conducive to learning. 

He mentions that "policies to increase competitive pressures with the school system….have transparent class meaning, reinforcing the advantages of the privileged and confirming the exclusion of the poor." I'm 50/50 on this. My elementary school offered the T.A.G. program (talented and gifted), and I feel that it was a great program to offer challenges and rewards to excelling students. I just feel we should help ALL of our students excel, or at least make them feel supported where they otherwise may not get that support.  I feel that programs such as these should be made possible across ALL socioeconomic statuses. This is difficult when poor families do not have the same resources at home that wealthier families do. I feel we can still accomplish this as teachers, and encourage and reward all our students as necessary, and give them the resources at school. No child should feel like they cannot succeed. 

Ultimately, I feel that this is a difficult topic to address and support in our schools, but it should be one our top priorities. Those kids need our help, and whether they ask for it or not, we should be available and create a supportive environment for all of our students.