With so many families facing hardship now, today's "poor kids" don't fit old stereotypes. And taking such actions as they can to make learning and life better for students facing poverty is now a challenge for all teachers. The May 2013 issue of ASCD's Educational Leadership araises awareness of the impact of poverty on children today and what might be done to help close the achievement gap.
In her "Perspectives" column, Editor-in-Chief Marge Scherer asks whether poverty is predestined. She writes, "The question is whether, in the future, we will be forced to say, 'Poverty should not be destiny, but, unfortunately, statistics say it is.'" After reading her column, do you agree?
Articles in the issue include
- "The Widening Income Achievement Gap" by Sean F. Reardon
Which policies will reduce the growing inequality in education outcomes? - "How Poverty Affects Classroom Engagement" by Eric Jensen
Seven approaches to consider for those who struggle with engagement in school. - "Hungry Kids: The Solvable Crisis" by Christy Felling
Teachers are on the front line in the war against childhood hunger. - "Principal Connection: Is Your School Happy?" by Thomas R. Hoerr
If teachers are growing and learning, they are far more likely to be effective. - "Teaching the 22 Percent" by Teresa M. Burke
The story behind one teacher's choice to teach in a high-poverty school.
View the insights of these and other contributors to the issue in the infographic (PDF) below, and start a conversation with your professional learning community using the free study guide.
