I teach in a school that would be considered low income. We have a high percentage of students that are receiving free or reduced lunches.
I have read quite a bit of information written by Ruby Payne and others about teaching children who live in poverty areas. Many of the characteristics they discuss I can see each day.
I grew up in a working-class family; not wealthy by any definition, but certainly not impoverished.
I myself have a hard time dealing with the many personality issues of these young people. The need to “save face” in front of their peers. The thought that if they make a teacher mad, they “win”. Both of these at the risk of getting in trouble. I guess I think too logically or I had enough respect for my parents to not cause problems and embarrass them.
Living in an economically disadvantaged household is not a valid excuse. I have many other students, who live at the same economic level as these students that do what they are supposed to do, follow the rules and make good grades.
Those of you who have some of these experiences, or differing ones, please share your thoughts and opinions.
