While the world’s wealth continues to grow exponentially, many families continue to live on the edge of poverty, struggling to accommodate their basic needs. The extent to which poor financial status influences the wellbeing of the young children and adolescents is alarming and needs immediate response from the community. In terms of education, poverty has adverse effects on students’ reading, writing, and Math skills, requiring an individual approach from general educators.
When evaluating the broad concept of poverty, it is essential to consider that food, clothing, and access to drinking water is no longer sufficient to maintain a high-quality life. Though US Censor states that 1/4 of American families live on the threshold of poverty, I think that the actual number is much higher (“U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: United States”). Many components, including emotional intelligence, financial stability, social interconnectedness with peers, physical health, contribute to the students’ success. Unfortunately, children brought up in impoverished families lack one or more of the aforementioned aspects.
It was surprising to find out the statistics describing the adverse consequences of poverty on students’ decision-making and academic performance. Poverty is cyclical with the attitudes of children and adolescents strengthened toward material items, contributing to their distorted vision of success. To overcome the barriers associated with hidden rules of poverty, teachers should help students from impoverished families to enrich their resources and develop a more in-depth understanding of abstract concepts. Time, family, education, money, and other important aspects of everyday life need to gain a distinct meaning, overcoming the traditional approach of poor families. Improvement of the academic performance is only possible if the needed changes happen within, transforming the core attitudes of individuals from disadvantaged social classes.
Work Cited
“U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: United States.” US Census Bureau. Web.