This blog is formatted to allow for discussion of Eric Jensen's book on poverty. Each participant may enter reflections in the comment section of Chapter 1, then on the following three headings found in chapters 2-6: 1) Theory & Research 2) Action Steps 3) High Poverty Schools Making it Happen, in the comment sections of each chapter.
Risk factors afflicting families living in poverty (pgs 7, 9, 10): Emotional and social challenges. Acute and chronic stressors. Cognitive lags. Health and safety issues. Divorce. Sickness. Eviction. Adverse childhood experiences. These risk factors contribute to a feeling of isolation and of being unloved which in turn affect academic performance (pg 10).
Reading this chapter makes me think about the risk factors our students come to school with. I've known this, but the way Jensen phrases it in this chapter makes it even more real to me. On pg 12 he talks about how to "change the school culture from pity ot empathy," that an attitude of "Bless their hearts..." actually lowers our expectations. Positive affirmations, speaking respectfully, a culture of caring, not giving up all make a difference as to how well our students can and do learn.
It would be interesting to see the various types of poverty found at Crestview. I'm sure we have quite a bit of relative poverty as well as some situational poverty.
"School can help turn children's lives around, but only if the children show up." I think this is a battle we are continually fighting at Crestview. Ways to fight the battle: Deepen staff understanding and change the school culture from pity to empathy. I think this book will help with both of these.
I am really interested in solutions to attendance problems. I hope the author addresses this concern in later chapters.
The iPads really seem to motivate our kids. Maybe we can make them accessible before the school day starts to motivate the kids to show up to school early. They could work with the iPads for 20 minutes, go eat breakfast and still have time to get to class before the bell rings.
I also want to reach out to those parents that had negative school experiences, since they are often the ones whose children have poor attendance. How can we make school a positive place for them, a place where they want to send their child?
Risk factors afflicting families living in poverty (pgs 7, 9, 10):
ReplyDeleteEmotional and social challenges.
Acute and chronic stressors.
Cognitive lags.
Health and safety issues.
Divorce.
Sickness.
Eviction.
Adverse childhood experiences.
These risk factors contribute to a feeling of isolation and of being unloved which in turn affect academic performance (pg 10).
Reading this chapter makes me think about the risk factors our students come to school with. I've known this, but the way Jensen phrases it in this chapter makes it even more real to me. On pg 12 he talks about how to "change the school culture from pity ot empathy," that an attitude of "Bless their hearts..." actually lowers our expectations. Positive affirmations, speaking respectfully, a culture of caring, not giving up all make a difference as to how well our students can and do learn.
It would be interesting to see the various types of poverty found at Crestview. I'm sure we have quite a bit of relative poverty as well as some situational poverty.
ReplyDelete"School can help turn children's lives around, but only if the children show up." I think this is a battle we are continually fighting at Crestview. Ways to fight the battle: Deepen staff understanding and change the school culture from pity to empathy. I think this book will help with both of these.
- Leighton
I am really interested in solutions to attendance problems. I hope the author addresses this concern in later chapters.
ReplyDeleteThe iPads really seem to motivate our kids. Maybe we can make them accessible before the school day starts to motivate the kids to show up to school early. They could work with the iPads for 20 minutes, go eat breakfast and still have time to get to class before the bell rings.
I also want to reach out to those parents that had negative school experiences, since they are often the ones whose children have poor attendance. How can we make school a positive place for them, a place where they want to send their child?