The Importance Of Poverty In Urban Schools

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Students living in poverty face trials and circumstances that are un-relatable and unimaginable to most outsiders. Their strength and resiliency to adversity is something to be acknowledged, however many challenges must be addressed within a school setting. Because of their unique experiences, students in urban schools bring funds of knowledge with them that must be utilized and unique challenges that must be overcome.
“Tough and Resilient” were the two words my CMT, Mr. Louis, used to describe the middle school students at Argentine Middle School. These students have a difficult life out of school, living in poverty and neighborhoods plagued with violence. He explained that over the years they have been able to adapt and overcome many of
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The best option for students to escape poverty is through education. Louis’s suggestion to his colleagues is to be confident in them and their abilities and adapt the curriculum to meet their interests and needs. He explained, “A lot of teachers did well in school and therefore expect school to be a positive experience for everyone just like it was for them, so they don’t adapt to kids that don’t use it for education but more as a safe place to be or get attention.” He stressed the need to adapt for what the students need. Being in this classroom, and hearing of the students’ abuse, neglect, and loneliness, I can appreciate desperation for teacher adaptiveness. If they cannot relate, they should utilize other adults in the building that might have better knowledge of the student or neighborhood in which these students live. Reaching out to a staff member or community advocate that grew up in the neighborhood could offer insight and promote a better understanding of what the student is going through. Building relationships with students, incorporating real-life situations and interests into the classroom discussions, and understanding the student 's funds of knowledge are important steps to take in order to engage the student and promote academic achievement and hopefully overcome

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