According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the word Mitigate is defined as making less harsh or severe. I totally agree that good teaching can make the effects of poverty less harsh or severe. This situation is vastly improved when the good teaching includes fostering caring relationships that build student self-esteem, setting high academic standards with the belief that all students can learn, and building a school environment that is collaborative not only with staff members, but with students, their parents, and the community at large.
I believe that public education in America is the great equalizer and our greatest hope for society. It is the best example of our fundamental creed that "All Men are Created Equal." If we as educators give our students the opportunity to have what they need for success in school, we are well on the way to renewing the strong foundation on which American democracy is based.
Great response to the question. That is the key statement. Educators must give students the opportunity to have what they need for success in school. If teachers would step out of their boxes and teach to all students not the high students wouldn't it be amazing what could happen. I do feel that more and more our schools are going that direction of teaching the students what they need. I have seen in many schools grouping students to help them gain the success they need in a particular skill. However, in those students that are from the low economical backgrounds how long is it going to take to help them?
Excellent point about education being a great equalizer. I think that a public education is one of the greatest things about our country that is not available around the world. To see the extreme poverty in other countries and know that the children don't have a way out because they have no way to receive an education is heartbreaking. However, knowing that children who live here have that great opportunity to pull themselves out of that situation is incredible!
Alan: We are so fortunate to have the public education system that we do in America...it is a great equalizer and as such gives students a way to improve their situation.
Tammi: re your question about how long does it take to help those students from low socio-economic backgrounds...I think it varies. It depends on the family and if they are willing to let their students succeed. It depends on the community and how involved the students are in things like 4-H, church, scouts, etc (and how much the community pulls them in to be a part of things, no matter what). Alot depends on the early childhood educators who are the families first contact with our education system. The Search Institue has some good statistics that they have been working on for the past fifty years about "making a difference in kids lives". You might enjoy looking at their web page.
Karen I agree with your comments to Alan and Tammi, The family is such an important key that many forget to look beyond to the community. Remember the Circle Of Friends? We are blessed to have the educational system that we have and the area we live.
I whole heartedly agree. We have such an opportunity to enrich the lives of future generations. If we can help one student to reach their full potential, they may then pull themselves out of the cycle of poverty and effect future generations of their family for the positive. Even teaching them how to have healthy relationships with others is a step in the right direction. Relationships can make a difference in self-esteem and self-worth. When a person believes in themselves, they are more likely to reach higher. With our hard work and effort we can show them that we believe in them and that in turn will help them believe in themselves. High expectations breed higher achievement.
Like the story of the Starfish....and the young boy who was throwing them back into the ocean... when told by a man who happend along that he couldn't save them all; the young boy threw a starfish back into the ocean and said, "I saved that one..". If we can teach them that they do have a future and to believe in themselves we will have helped them journey in the right direction.
You are so right. It is amazing when we can reach the students and help them turn their lives around. It takes so many tools to create the learning environment that will be a success for all students. These are not material objects they are emotional support that these students so desperately need. It is amazing at what teachers can do if they just take the time to listen, care, and support their students without any judgement.
I agree with you, it is a 'one student at a time' process. Each student is so different, although they all come from poverty, they are unique individuals.
I agree that good teaching can mitigate the effects of low socioeconomic status. The Search Institute has done many years of research on how developmental assets help young people be successful. One of the key components is if the student has a positive, caring relationship with a teacher and the school. I also believe that a caring heart and truly loving to work with students can overcome stuff; but it sure is easier if there are some school resources, at least in the form of positive support and encouragement from staff and administration.
I agree that good teaching can mitigate the effects of low SES. Good teaching can help reprogram the brain, but also give them tools to help cope and be successful in school and eventually as adults. Good teaching offers a safe place that lets students achieve success socially, emotionally, and academically. It can help take the stressors out of their lives. Stability, hope, structure, and explicit teaching--these students can succeed.
Alan, I agree that education is our greatest hope. It is the one area where we can really impact how children grow up to be adults.
Karen, School resources are essential to help with success. It does take financial support to meet the demanding needs of these students. Supporting the whole student is important for their success and it does cost money.
I'd agree that several of the programs that showed the best success rates had grants for technology, and we assume that there is funding for enough staff to allow for a reasonable teacher:student ration to build relationships with students.
If a teacher is good at his/her job, he/she should be able to create the type of environment in their classroom to create a positive and thriving teaching atmosphere. Yes I understand that there are the instances that no matter what atmosphere you create and what hoops that you jump through some kids just won't take the bate. However, in this book it talked a lot about building relationships, creating a positive teaching and learning environment, and learning about the child. Teachers that are willing to do this for their students that come from proverty and have classroom that lack the materials needed to teach find ways to create an educationable classroom. Good teachers can and will take the extra steps to ensure that all of their students have what they need to learn. Just like Mr. Hawkins he went above and beyond everyday to create the best learning environment for his students.
I agree that setting up a good learning environment is important for student success. Great teachers find ways to make their classroom comfortable, welcoming, and educational.
I would agree with that. There are many schools that are struggling without as many resources as they would like. Many have cut budgets, increased class sizes, and gotten rid of extra books or equipment. Yet, with teachers who are willing to make a difference, students at these schools are still excelling, succeeding, and overcoming the effects of poverty.
I agree that despite budget cuts, increased class size, and more demands put on teachers, students continue to succeed and overcome the effects of poverty. Without great teachers, those children would not make as much progress or overcome their circumstances.
I agree “Good teaching can mitigate the effects of low socioeconomic status and lack of school resources.” with the caveat that it takes years of good teaching, and a system of "good teachers" to keep the ball rolling.
Yes, I agree that "good teaching can mitigate the effects of low SES and lack of school resources." I think a great teacher will be effective, no matter what they are working with. They know what it's important and how to get through to students, no matter their circumstances. Students who are in low SES need great teachers in order to succeed.
I agree with all the other posts, good teaching mitigates life circumstances of students. I think about The Culture of Poverty we read earlier and remember how much a person has to abandon to leave the low socioeconomic lifestyle behind. It takes some strong bonds and exceptional teaching to accomplish that.
Good teaching encompasses everything that is within this book. I believe that I have two years to instill some social graces into students before they go to high school. If they can look back and remember that more is achieved with honey than with vinegar, then maybe I've gotten somewhere. The building up of students and belief of higher standards has to lead to higher achievement.
I like your attitude that building up students and expecting higher standards for them while you work with them is important. Children who have people who care about them achieve more. I remember reading a story about a child who moved a lot with her parents and that she said it was one woman believing in her and helping to keep her in school that helped her get out of the cycle of poverty when she grew up.
Tammi- it is so true that learning environment is important to education. It goes back to the hierarchy of needs. The environment must meet the need so feel safe and have basic needs met before optimum learning can take place.
Karen-- It is true that caring relationships make a big difference in education for student from poverty. It goes back to basic human nature to want to do more for a person who shows that they genuinely cares for you. Thus when you try harder you achieve more. "Attitude is key."
Yes -I do believe good teaching can mitigate the effects of low SES and lack of school resources. This book encompasses all that it takes to be an exceptional teacher for all students. I think building caring and trusting relationships is key to all working relationships and if we can teach that while in school, those students will find success post graduation. As an educated adult, I like to know that my boss cares about me - -it doesn't change as we get older.
I agree that it is important to know that someone cares for us even as adults. How much more valuable to show a child how worthy they are and how much we care about them. I also agree that good teaching is important and helps reduce the negative effects of low SES and lack or resources.
I agree that good teaching mitigates the effects of low SES and lack of resources. This book cites several schools that have mitigated the effects of low SES and lack of school resources. They have done this by building caring relationships.
I absolutely agree. I don’t think it can completely put every student on a level playing field 100% of the time, but with all the research found throughout this book (as well as from various other credible sources) that supports the claim of good teaching mitigating the effects of low SES, it’s kind of hard to disagree that it doesn’t provide at least some beneficial outcomes.
Karen~ I agree with you that someone who has a caring heart and truly loves working with students can assist the students in overcoming obstacles. That’s why I think some students thrive in one class, but maybe not in another. For instance, I worked with a kiddo who REALLY struggled with behavior. The classroom this student was in tended to lack structure, consistency, and I think the teacher had a lot of other stuff on his/her mind, which didn’t help. A couple months later, this student was put in a different classroom with a teacher who, I think, literally believed each student was his/her own. After a couple weeks, people were seeing noticeable changes in how this student acted and reacted in various situations.
Jerrie~ I also think that students need to know that the school community cares about them and wants them to be here. I have one principal who does an EXCELLENT job of this. One thing he’ll make sure to do is stand out in the hall during transitions to catch up with students and see how they’re doing. Last year, we had a kiddo transfer in with behavior/academic concerns. One day, the principal missed talking to this student, so he pulled him out of homeroom to talk. The student was absolutely shocked by this, and told the principal that he’s never had someone pull him out of class just to check up on him and talk about something good.
I believe teachers can mitigate and make the student learn more. We need to make sure to celebrate what they are doing right now. We can help to close the gaps and give them a better chance of succeeding outside the classroom.
Tammi - I agree that as budget cuts and other issues arise teachers will continue to meet the challenge of creating a positive learning experience for their students.
Stephanie - I agree whole heartly with you that when we have these students we need to teach them how to succeed not only academically, but also socially. They will need those skills as much or more than some other skills.
Good teaching is what is important for every child! Getting to know each child and where they come from (their home life) and adjusting your teaching to reach every child is very important. I think if every teacher would get to know the families like we do when we go on home visits, teachers might be more sympathic to each child's situation.
“Good teaching can mitigate the effects of low socioeconomic status and lack of school resources.” I totally agree. Good teaching and great teachers are the key. I was not a fan of NCLB but I do think it made many teachers step up and make sure they reached all of the kids. They could no longer blame failure on SES, being migrant, having a second language, etc. In a way it worked, many students made a lot of progress (as far as testing goes). Even though testing isn't everything, it did show that teachers gave all students their best effort. Now with new standards and assessments, we can still be great teachers to all of our kids. We (all teachers) have a huge potential impact so hopefully we make it a great one!
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the word Mitigate is defined as making less harsh or severe. I totally agree that good teaching can make the effects of poverty less harsh or severe. This situation is vastly improved when the good teaching includes fostering caring relationships that build student self-esteem, setting high academic standards with the belief that all students can learn, and building a school environment that is collaborative not only with staff members, but with students, their parents, and the community at large.
ReplyDeleteI believe that public education in America is the great equalizer and our greatest hope for society. It is the best example of our fundamental creed that "All Men are Created Equal." If we as educators give our students the opportunity to have what they need for success in school, we are well on the way to renewing the strong foundation on which American democracy is based.
Great response to the question. That is the key statement. Educators must give students the opportunity to have what they need for success in school. If teachers would step out of their boxes and teach to all students not the high students wouldn't it be amazing what could happen. I do feel that more and more our schools are going that direction of teaching the students what they need. I have seen in many schools grouping students to help them gain the success they need in a particular skill. However, in those students that are from the low economical backgrounds how long is it going to take to help them?
DeleteExcellent point about education being a great equalizer. I think that a public education is one of the greatest things about our country that is not available around the world. To see the extreme poverty in other countries and know that the children don't have a way out because they have no way to receive an education is heartbreaking. However, knowing that children who live here have that great opportunity to pull themselves out of that situation is incredible!
DeleteAlan: We are so fortunate to have the public education system that we do in America...it is a great equalizer and as such gives students a way to improve their situation.
DeleteTammi: re your question about how long does it take to help those students from low socio-economic backgrounds...I think it varies. It depends on the family and if they are willing to let their students succeed. It depends on the community and how involved the students are in things like 4-H, church, scouts, etc (and how much the community pulls them in to be a part of things, no matter what). Alot depends on the early childhood educators who are the families first contact with our education system. The Search Institue has some good statistics that they have been working on for the past fifty years about "making a difference in kids lives". You might enjoy looking at their web page.
Karen I agree with your comments to Alan and Tammi, The family is such an important key that many forget to look beyond to the community. Remember the Circle Of Friends? We are blessed to have the educational system that we have and the area we live.
DeleteI whole heartedly agree. We have such an opportunity to enrich the lives of future generations. If we can help one student to reach their full potential, they may then pull themselves out of the cycle of poverty and effect future generations of their family for the positive. Even teaching them how to have healthy relationships with others is a step in the right direction. Relationships can make a difference in self-esteem and self-worth. When a person believes in themselves, they are more likely to reach higher. With our hard work and effort we can show them that we believe in them and that in turn will help them believe in themselves. High expectations breed higher achievement.
ReplyDeleteLike the story of the Starfish....and the young boy who was throwing them back into the ocean... when told by a man who happend along that he couldn't save them all; the young boy threw a starfish back into the ocean and said, "I saved that one..". If we can teach them that they do have a future and to believe in themselves we will have helped them journey in the right direction.
DeleteYou are so right. It is amazing when we can reach the students and help them turn their lives around. It takes so many tools to create the learning environment that will be a success for all students. These are not material objects they are emotional support that these students so desperately need. It is amazing at what teachers can do if they just take the time to listen, care, and support their students without any judgement.
DeleteI agree with you, it is a 'one student at a time' process. Each student is so different, although they all come from poverty, they are unique individuals.
DeleteOne student at a time...each one of us is as unique as a snowflake.
DeleteI agree - -there is so much that we can offer our students that goes beyond the subject matter we teach.
DeleteI agree that good teaching can mitigate the effects of low socioeconomic status. The Search Institute has done many years of research on how developmental assets help young people be successful. One of the key components is if the student has a positive, caring relationship with a teacher and the school. I also believe that a caring heart and truly loving to work with students can overcome stuff; but it sure is easier if there are some school resources, at least in the form of positive support and encouragement from staff and administration.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point about good teaching. The forming significant relationships is an important part of good teaching.
DeleteStrong relationships is one of the key factors in determining drop out rates. Students need to know we care about them and want them here at school!
DeleteI agree that good teaching can mitigate the effects of low SES. Good teaching can help reprogram the brain, but also give them tools to help cope and be successful in school and eventually as adults. Good teaching offers a safe place that lets students achieve success socially, emotionally, and academically. It can help take the stressors out of their lives. Stability, hope, structure, and explicit teaching--these students can succeed.
ReplyDeleteAlan, I agree that education is our greatest hope. It is the one area where we can really impact how children grow up to be adults.
ReplyDeleteKaren, School resources are essential to help with success. It does take financial support to meet the demanding needs of these students. Supporting the whole student is important for their success and it does cost money.
I'd agree that several of the programs that showed the best success rates had grants for technology, and we assume that there is funding for enough staff to allow for a reasonable teacher:student ration to build relationships with students.
DeleteIf a teacher is good at his/her job, he/she should be able to create the type of environment in their classroom to create a positive and thriving teaching atmosphere. Yes I understand that there are the instances that no matter what atmosphere you create and what hoops that you jump through some kids just won't take the bate. However, in this book it talked a lot about building relationships, creating a positive teaching and learning environment, and learning about the child. Teachers that are willing to do this for their students that come from proverty and have classroom that lack the materials needed to teach find ways to create an educationable classroom. Good teachers can and will take the extra steps to ensure that all of their students have what they need to learn. Just like Mr. Hawkins he went above and beyond everyday to create the best learning environment for his students.
ReplyDeleteI agree that setting up a good learning environment is important for student success. Great teachers find ways to make their classroom comfortable, welcoming, and educational.
DeleteI would agree with that. There are many schools that are struggling without as many resources as they would like. Many have cut budgets, increased class sizes, and gotten rid of extra books or equipment. Yet, with teachers who are willing to make a difference, students at these schools are still excelling, succeeding, and overcoming the effects of poverty.
ReplyDeleteI agree that despite budget cuts, increased class size, and more demands put on teachers, students continue to succeed and overcome the effects of poverty. Without great teachers, those children would not make as much progress or overcome their circumstances.
DeleteI agree “Good teaching can mitigate the effects of low socioeconomic status and lack of school resources.” with the caveat that it takes years of good teaching, and a system of "good teachers" to keep the ball rolling.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that "good teaching can mitigate the effects of low SES and lack of school resources." I think a great teacher will be effective, no matter what they are working with. They know what it's important and how to get through to students, no matter their circumstances. Students who are in low SES need great teachers in order to succeed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the other posts, good teaching mitigates life circumstances of students. I think about The Culture of Poverty we read earlier and remember how much a person has to abandon to leave the low socioeconomic lifestyle behind. It takes some strong bonds and exceptional teaching to accomplish that.
ReplyDeleteGood teaching encompasses everything that is within this book. I believe that I have two years to instill some social graces into students before they go to high school. If they can look back and remember that more is achieved with honey than with vinegar, then maybe I've gotten somewhere. The building up of students and belief of higher standards has to lead to higher achievement.
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude that building up students and expecting higher standards for them while you work with them is important. Children who have people who care about them achieve more. I remember reading a story about a child who moved a lot with her parents and that she said it was one woman believing in her and helping to keep her in school that helped her get out of the cycle of poverty when she grew up.
DeleteTammi- it is so true that learning environment is important to education. It goes back to the hierarchy of needs. The environment must meet the need so feel safe and have basic needs met before optimum learning can take place.
ReplyDeleteKaren-- It is true that caring relationships make a big difference in education for student from poverty. It goes back to basic human nature to want to do more for a person who shows that they genuinely cares for you. Thus when you try harder you achieve more. "Attitude is key."
Yes -I do believe good teaching can mitigate the effects of low SES and lack of school resources. This book encompasses all that it takes to be an exceptional teacher for all students. I think building caring and trusting relationships is key to all working relationships and if we can teach that while in school, those students will find success post graduation. As an educated adult, I like to know that my boss cares about me - -it doesn't change as we get older.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is important to know that someone cares for us even as adults. How much more valuable to show a child how worthy they are and how much we care about them. I also agree that good teaching is important and helps reduce the negative effects of low SES and lack or resources.
DeleteI want to know that my boss cares about me and that my coworkers care about me too. Positive relationships throughout life is important.
DeleteI agree that good teaching mitigates the effects of low SES and lack of resources. This book cites several schools that have mitigated the effects of low SES and lack of school resources. They have done this by building caring relationships.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this book it seems like everything goes back to building caring relationships!
DeleteI absolutely agree. I don’t think it can completely put every student on a level playing field 100% of the time, but with all the research found throughout this book (as well as from various other credible sources) that supports the claim of good teaching mitigating the effects of low SES, it’s kind of hard to disagree that it doesn’t provide at least some beneficial outcomes.
ReplyDeleteKaren~
I agree with you that someone who has a caring heart and truly loves working with students can assist the students in overcoming obstacles. That’s why I think some students thrive in one class, but maybe not in another. For instance, I worked with a kiddo who REALLY struggled with behavior. The classroom this student was in tended to lack structure, consistency, and I think the teacher had a lot of other stuff on his/her mind, which didn’t help. A couple months later, this student was put in a different classroom with a teacher who, I think, literally believed each student was his/her own. After a couple weeks, people were seeing noticeable changes in how this student acted and reacted in various situations.
Jerrie~
I also think that students need to know that the school community cares about them and wants them to be here. I have one principal who does an EXCELLENT job of this. One thing he’ll make sure to do is stand out in the hall during transitions to catch up with students and see how they’re doing. Last year, we had a kiddo transfer in with behavior/academic concerns. One day, the principal missed talking to this student, so he pulled him out of homeroom to talk. The student was absolutely shocked by this, and told the principal that he’s never had someone pull him out of class just to check up on him and talk about something good.
What a great example of how to build a relationship. It is amazing how much of a difference little things make to kids.
DeleteI believe teachers can mitigate and make the student learn more. We need to make sure to celebrate what they are doing right now. We can help to close the gaps and give them a better chance of succeeding outside the classroom.
ReplyDeleteTammi - I agree that as budget cuts and other issues arise teachers will continue to meet the challenge of creating a positive learning experience for their students.
ReplyDeleteStephanie - I agree whole heartly with you that when we have these students we need to teach them how to succeed not only academically, but also socially. They will need those skills as much or more than some other skills.
Good teaching is what is important for every child! Getting to know each child and where they come from (their home life) and adjusting your teaching to reach every child is very important. I think if every teacher would get to know the families like we do when we go on home visits, teachers might be more sympathic to each child's situation.
ReplyDelete“Good teaching can mitigate the effects of low socioeconomic status and lack of school resources.”
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Good teaching and great teachers are the key. I was not a fan of NCLB but I do think it made many teachers step up and make sure they reached all of the kids. They could no longer blame failure on SES, being migrant, having a second language, etc. In a way it worked, many students made a lot of progress (as far as testing goes). Even though testing isn't everything, it did show that teachers gave all students their best effort. Now with new standards and assessments, we can still be great teachers to all of our kids. We (all teachers) have a huge potential impact so hopefully we make it a great one!