I am interested in looking at how children from low income families achieve, or lack achieving, in school. So far I have found statistical, as well as testimonial support claiming that children from low income households do not do as well in school as children from families with a higher income. Their drop out rate is higher, and because they grow up to be in the same low income bracket as their parents- a cycle is established. I feel that in general all children deserve equal opportunities so they all can have the potential to succeed. Through my experience with children, I have seen their creativity and enthusiasm for learning. I feel that if we can instill confidence with in children from low income families, their fire for education will not burn out and the drop-out rate can decrease. That is why I would like to explore the question: how can we decrease the drop-out rate for low income students?
I find trying to solve a social problem like this often problematic. Maybe instead of focusing on trying to solve the problem, research what things hinder low-income students to not succeed? Identify them and explain why those things affect low-income students and not higher-income students. and possibly offer some other ideas to help remedy situation.
ReplyDeleteOr possibly research what current programs help low-income students to succeed/ keep in school? What things help students succeed?
What do you think?
p.s keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI think that your last question, "How can we decrease the drop out rate for low income students?" is an interesting question. One that may help alot of children from low income families. Perhaps look at what is it that keeps the higher income children in school. Then instill those ideas into the lower income students. Perhaps its parent involvement.
ReplyDeleteAlberto, I agree that my question can become problematic very easily. After reviewing my comments i thought about my proposed question, and i can put sub-categories under it.. and some sub-sub-categories into those. I feel it is difficult for me to choose how I want to approach this question, but I do see how it needs to be done in a narrower manner. and looking into programs that are working would be a great way to start, so thanks!!
ReplyDeleteTina, that is exactly why i am interested in this question, because the differences between the income leads to other differences that affect the children's education. they always say parent involvement is good, but is there a difference between high and low income? that is something i feel i should look into! thanks!
Hi Amanda:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alberto, that proposing solutions for the problems you describe might be difficult. But if you start by looking at the challenges low-income students face, you can decide if proposing solutions at some later point would be appropriate. In this case, you're final project could take one of two tracks (maybe more): 1) You could describe some particular challenge low-income students face, and how it problematizes educational attainment; 2) you could address the first point, and then extend your discussion by talking about proposed solutions.
Your proposed question is something I have a little bit of experience with, so I'll share some initial thoughts. With this being said, I don't expect you to necessarily take the same track or to reach the same conclusions that I do.
First, a lack of parental invovlement does seem to affect low-income children. With this being said, a lot of low-income parents are working multiple jobs just to put food on the table. The non-fiction book "Nickel-and-Dimed" has a really good discussion of this.
Second, there are a lot of cultural and linguistic challenges that low-income students face. Mike Rose's "Lives on the Boundaries" discusses this in a somewhat accessible way. Keith Gilyard's "Voices of the Self" or Victor Vallinueva's (sp?) "Bootstraps" are also super-interesting, though the former is a bit difficult to get at.
I'm really excited to see where your research progresses from here! :)