The Effects of Poverty on Education

1144 Words3 Pages

In today’s world people need to compete globally for jobs and one of the most important factors in getting a good paying job is education. However, even the best schools cannot overcome some of the obstacles placed in front of the students that walk through their doors. Poverty, chaotic home environments, discrepancies in exposure to technology, and lack of funding for schools all negatively impact the effort to educate children.

In today’s economic environment even the wealthiest states and districts are having to cut funding for education, while districts which were already teetering on the edge are now in an even worse position. In some schools children have to face not having enough books, paper for copies, severe overcrowding, and even buildings that are falling apart. Although, funding is not available to correct all of the problems facing these districts, one of the things that are increasing is the use of the federal school breakfast program. Educators have always agreed that students learn better when they are not hungry, and have started doing things like free breakfast for all or sack breakfasts for all. These practices not only increase the ability for students to learn, but it also frees up resources in low to middle income homes due to not needing to spend money for a balanced breakfast (Bartfield, Ahn).

The world today is full of technology; cell phones, computers, and e-readers. It is a well-known fact that children that are exposed to technology at a younger age are better able to incorporate it into everyday life. Although, the cost of computers, cell phones, and other electronic gadgets have decreased significantly in the last few years it is still a cost that many low income families and destitute scho...

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... next generation grow into productive citizens.

Works Cited

Bartfeld, J., & Ahn, H.. (2011). The School Breakfast Program Strengthens Household Food Security among Low-Income Households with Elementary School Children1,2. The Journal of Nutrition, 141(3), 470-475. Retrieved May 29, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2286254951).

Cleaver, S.. (2011, July). Schools to the Rescue. Instructor (1999), 120(6), 43-45,47. Retrieved May 29, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2341176431).

de Vise, D., & Writer, W. P. S. (2008, September 4). County's SAT scores fall again as racial gap grows; west cites growing economic diversity. The Washington Post, pp. GZ10.

Jones, M., & Canada, G.. (2009, September). A Different Kind of Prep School. New York Times Magazine,42-45,57. Retrieved May 29, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1873513371).

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