poverty

One of the first issues to address when discussing poverty's impact on education is defining poverty. In the traditional sense poverty refers to the lack of money or possessions. It terms of education I argue that it must refer to much more. Money is a major factor in education but far from the only to consider

Choice is a major theme in chapter two of Nelson, J. L. (2013) Critical Issues in Education. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill. In terms of education, many would consider poverty to be determined by the existence of choice. If a student lives in an environment where their choices in education are limited, they could be considered impoverished. Supporters of public educational choice argue that income and where the student lives should not hamper the quality of education a student receives. Not allowing choice causes the traditional system to develop separate classes of students, haves and have-nots. Opponents counter that there is little evidence to suggest a choice improves the performance of a student. Since minorities makeup a high percentage of students living in poverty, opponents also suggest a form of "white flight" can occur when minority students begin attending predominantly white schools. Recent events in St. Louis Missouri have given anti-choice advocates evidence of problems created by giving public school students a choice. According to Crouch (2014), when the Missouri Supreme Court upheld a law that allows children in unaccredited districts to transfer into better schools, 2,200 students in the Normandy and Riverview Gardens school districts fled. Valuable resources were taken away from these schools and prompted the Missouri Legislature to amend the transfer laws.

Despite these instances, I must personally s...

... middle of paper ...

...districts more funds will not solve the inherent problems. There are many other important factors. This circles back to the definition of poverty. Educationally speaking poverty must be determined by something other than money. Choice, environment, outside influences, and finances must be discussed when combating poverty's impact on education. Until all characteristics of poverty are addressed a whole solution will not be found. Addressing choice and funding are at least steps in the right direction.

References

Crouch, E. (2014, May 17). Poverty and academic struggle go hand-in-hand. Retrieved May 22, 2014, from St. Louis Post-Dispatch: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/poverty-and-academic-struggle-go-hand-in-hand/article_944bf0f6-c13f-5bbc-9112-9ab9ae205607.html

Jack L. Nelson, S. P. (2013). Critical Issues in Education. New York: Mcgraw-Hill.