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.
Natasha,
ReplyDeleteThis was a very touching story! Thank you for sharing this with us. I also worked in a Title I school and I witnessed similar things. I agree that children who fall behind academically are definitely at a disadvantage. This could be very stressful for them. I applaud you for your efforts in making a difference in the lives of the children at your school. Keep up the great work!
Hi Natasha,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the story that you have shared. In my country many low-income families struggle to send their children to school. Our government has been trying to help these families by providing a simple snack for these children. However it is clearly not enough. Many of these children start school behind and sadly many of them never catch up but eventually drop out. However our society is not research driven as such many times decisions are made based on assumptions and observation. Sometimes these are inadequate in finding the best solutions. I see the important need for research in my society.
Hi Natasha,
ReplyDeleteI love your post. I have also seen this negative side of the Title I programs and also worked with the Teach for America teachers. My center participates as a site for the program in the summer, last summer was the third time we worked with them. I must agree with you that six weeks of training teachers who majority back grounds are in other field, is barely enough time to truly prepare them. The children suffer in situations like this. The free preschool program you talk about sounds like the Head Start preschool and Ga. Pre-K program in my area. The programs allow children in no to low income families the opportunity to be apart of a high quality child care program that help teach the children healthy social-emotional skills, language, cognitive, early math, and literacy skills. The programs also offer two meals each day, and a snack. With the influence of more teachers like you, maybe one day out children will get the educational experience they deserve for better future success.