Research that Benefits Children and Families

Share a positive example of the effects of research on children and/or families: Perhaps you can provide real-life examples of research benefits to children and/or families; maybe you are familiar with stories of people who have been positively affected by research; or you came across a published research article concerning children or families which you find exciting and would like to share with your colleagues.


   I currently work in a Title one low income school that has a free and reduced lunch rate of 93%.  This is a poor community with government housing and subsidized living, and low income homes.  The population of the school ranges from mostly Hispanic to Caucasian.  Teaching in a Title one school is not without its challenges (as I have also total in a wealthy community as well).  However, the research that I have been conducting on poverty and its effects on cognitive development in children has given me a new found insight for some of the children at this school.  Currently I work with low achieving children in mathematics in grades 4-8, but I interact with all grades at some point.  An article I read stated that once children fall behind academically, they are at a huge disadvantage because it is extremely hard to catch up.  Schools unfortunately fail these children by employing unequipped teachers.  Programs such as Teach for America place inexperienced professionals in failing low income schools and ask them to teach children who need the most help.  
  There are programs that are being implemented in my district to help these low income families such as free preschool.  Children are enrolled in half day preschool and receive all of the academics to prepare them for kindergarten.  Children are also given two meals at school per day and are offered free tutoring before or after school.  The school offers many opportunities for the children and families to better themselves and their children, but sadly not all of the families take advantage of the programs.  However I do see progress in the children I work with; even if it is only a few at a time, at least I am changing lives.

Research Simulation

The topic that I decided to research more in depth is poverty.  Poverty in general is a global issue, and threatens the development of children daily.  All too often the news presents stories regarding death, abuse, and neglect of children.  I see it daily in the school where I work and the community in which I live.  Poverty does pick a race, culture or gender to affect; it is an issue that needs addressed.  

I did come up with three sub topics to the poverty issue which are how poverty affects children cognitively, physically and academically.  I want to know if children can escape the stereotypes of poverty to become successful adults; if that is the case how and why do some children succeed where others do not.  

I have seen both sides of the fence, and the grass is not greener on one side.  I have worked in a high poverty, title 1 school and 93% free and reduced population school with 900 students and I have also worked in a school that was white collar, stay at home moms, and less than 5% free and reduced lunch ( the only reason there was even that amount of free and reduced lunch is because the school had open enrollment one year).  I have observed a huge difference in the children from school to school and I wonder what the cause is.  Quite often I wonder how many children or families use their economic stance as an excuse.  I am very torn on the subject and really am interested on the research studied effects of poverty.  

Thus far I have discovered that poverty is an issue and it does affect children, but to the extent to which it affects them is undetermined.  I would thoroughly appreciate any input or sources that anyone of my colleagues have deemed credible and reliable.  Please note I am not saying poverty is used as an excuse for unacceptable behaviors or failures, but these are the thoughts that I want to look into.