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These Families Those Families: Deconstructing the Poverty Argument

These Families Those Families: Deconstructing the Poverty Argument. Beth Harry Equity Forum March 1, 2011. The Poverty Argument. Poverty accounts for: Lack of motivation Poor behavior Low IQ scores High drop-out rate Disproportionality in Special Ed. The List of Deficits.

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These Families Those Families: Deconstructing the Poverty Argument

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  1. These Families Those Families: Deconstructing the Poverty Argument Beth Harry Equity Forum March 1, 2011

  2. The Poverty Argument Poverty accounts for: • Lack of motivation • Poor behavior • Low IQ scores • High drop-out rate • Disproportionality in Special Ed

  3. The List of Deficits • Ravitch: “It’s poverty” • Ruby Payne: family cultural deficit • Hart & Risley: family language deficit • Berliner: family income deficit • NRC: family and environmental deficit

  4. The Big Picture: Societal Structure Deficit • Kozol: School structure • Racial and income segregation • School cultures • School resources • Anyon: Societal structure • Minimum wage • Transportation • Health care • School funding

  5. Missing Link (a): Deficit Defined by Middle-Class Norms • IQ score does not equal intelligence • Different language register does not equal language skill/ability • Different behaviors do not equal behavioral disorder:

  6. Missing Link (b): Poor Kids Get Poor Schools HOW? • Funding formulas • Lower salaries • Weak teachers, administrators • Limited curriculum • High-stakes testing • Quick fixes • Low expectations • Family stereotyping

  7. Missing Link (c): Family Resilience • The facts of poverty are evident • Purpose is not to romanticize poverty or poor families; rather to inspire • Thankful for the big picture books (Anyon, Kozol, Hart & Risley, Berliner) • But I’m going to offer you some close-up pictures of hope, promise, resilience, family strength

  8. Robert: I’m a Gangsta, Tha’s Why!

  9. Robert’s Mom • Jacintha • Why do I have 9 kids? Because I just love having kids. I love being a mother. • “To Robert, with love, from Mom and Dad, Christmas, 1999” • Baby – bring momma’s pen. • Robert needs help. Please do something!

  10. Kanita: She Just Wants Her Momma

  11. Kanita’s Family • Grandma: There’s nothing wrong with her. She just wants her momma.” • Grandma: Would you like to see my album? • Cousin: Is Kanita going to college? • EBD Teacher: What’s she doing here?

  12. Silvia: A Very Happy Person

  13. Silvia’s Mom • Es una persona muy contenta” • Este problema tengo yo - que ya esta grande y no sabe leer nada. Eso es lo que quiero, que ella aprenda a leer, porque sin sabe leer no sabe nada”

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