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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:15 --> 00:00:16 Now here's your host, Adam Bush.
00:00:17 --> 00:00:21 Good morning, educators. Welcome to Your Morning Boost. Happy Monday.
00:00:21 --> 00:00:25 Today, we're going to talk about the critical issue of poverty in schools.
00:00:26 --> 00:00:29 And honestly, today, as we also observe Martin Luther King Day,
00:00:29 --> 00:00:36 let us remember his powerful message of equality, justice, and the importance of education for all.
00:00:36 --> 00:00:41 Dr. King understood the profound impact of poverty on individuals and society,
00:00:41 --> 00:00:46 and he dedicated his life to fighting for a more equitable and just world where
00:00:46 --> 00:00:50 every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.
00:00:50 --> 00:00:55 We know that poverty significantly impacts a student's academic performance.
00:00:55 --> 00:00:59 It impacts their social and emotional well-being and their overall success.
00:00:59 --> 00:01:04 Students living in poverty may face a multitude of challenges that hinder their educational journey.
00:01:04 --> 00:01:06 These can include things like food security.
00:01:07 --> 00:01:11 This is a common consequence of poverty, and it can have a profound impact on
00:01:11 --> 00:01:12 a child's ability to learn.
00:01:12 --> 00:01:16 Many studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association find
00:01:16 --> 00:01:21 that children experiencing food insecurity have significantly lower scores on
00:01:21 --> 00:01:25 standardized tests of academic achievement compared to their food-secure peers.
00:01:25 --> 00:01:30 Now, these lack of resources, they further exacerbate the challenges faced by
00:01:30 --> 00:01:31 students living in poverty.
00:01:31 --> 00:01:35 Then we'll have limited access to food, but we also have limited access to books
00:01:35 --> 00:01:41 and computers and other learning materials that can significantly hinder academic progress.
00:01:41 --> 00:01:45 Children from low-income families have fewer opportunities to engage in enriching
00:01:45 --> 00:01:50 activities like visiting museums, attending cultural events or participating
00:01:50 --> 00:01:56 in extracurricular activities that just broaden their horizons and stimulate intellectual growth.
00:01:56 --> 00:02:01 Add the fact that housing instability, such as frequent moves or living in overcrowded
00:02:01 --> 00:02:06 or unsafe housing, this can also create significant stress and therefore also
00:02:06 --> 00:02:07 disrupt a child's education.
00:02:07 --> 00:02:11 Frequent school changes, these lead to academic setbacks as students struggle
00:02:11 --> 00:02:15 to keep up with coursework and build relationships with teachers and peers.
00:02:15 --> 00:02:20 Moreover, living in substandard housing can expose children to environmental hazards.
00:02:20 --> 00:02:24 These have an impact on their health and well-being, further hindering their
00:02:24 --> 00:02:26 ability to focus on their studies.
00:02:26 --> 00:02:30 Then add the layer of trauma. Exposure to trauma, such as violence,
00:02:30 --> 00:02:35 abuse, neglect, it's unfortunately more prevalent in children that live in poverty.
00:02:35 --> 00:02:39 These traumatic experiences can have a profound impact on a child's mental health
00:02:39 --> 00:02:44 and development. It leads to anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating in school.
00:02:44 --> 00:02:47 We've discussed some of these things in previous episodes.
00:02:47 --> 00:02:51 Studies have shown a strong correlation between childhood trauma and academic
00:02:51 --> 00:02:57 underachievement, as well as an increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems.
00:02:57 --> 00:03:02 Now, as school leaders, we have a responsibility to create an equitable and
00:03:02 --> 00:03:06 supporting learning environment for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
00:03:07 --> 00:03:12 This requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the unique needs of students living in poverty.
00:03:12 --> 00:03:16 We can start to address poverty in our schools by prioritizing basic needs.
00:03:16 --> 00:03:21 Let's ensure all students have access to basic necessities like food,
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 clothing, hygiene products.
00:03:23 --> 00:03:27 This can be achieved through programs like school pantries, clothing drives,
00:03:27 --> 00:03:31 hygiene banks, all sorts of opportunities within the community to provide students
00:03:31 --> 00:03:33 what they need to be able to be successful.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:37 And then let's address the learning gaps. Once we know basic needs are taken
00:03:37 --> 00:03:39 care of, and that has to come first.
00:03:39 --> 00:03:42 But after we feel comfortable there, now we can address the learning gaps.
00:03:42 --> 00:03:47 We can implement targeted interventions to address the academic needs of students living in poverty.
00:03:47 --> 00:03:51 This can include tutoring programs or after-school enrichment programs,
00:03:51 --> 00:03:55 but also make sure that we have equitable access to technology.
00:03:55 --> 00:03:59 Technology plays such a vital role in the services that we provide for students today.
00:03:59 --> 00:04:05 Ensure all students have access to reliable internet and devices such as laptops or tablets.
00:04:05 --> 00:04:09 Whatever we are using to support their learning both inside and outside of school,
00:04:09 --> 00:04:14 ensure that they have access to those as well. We also want to support that student well-being.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:18 Prioritize SEL activities, weave it into the fabric of the school day,
00:04:18 --> 00:04:23 involve some mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, guided imagery during morning
00:04:23 --> 00:04:27 routines and meetings, implement evidence based SEL curricula.
00:04:27 --> 00:04:31 These can provide structured lessons and activities that foster self-awareness,
00:04:31 --> 00:04:33 self-regulation, and responsible decision making.
00:04:34 --> 00:04:37 Help develop some relationship skills and social awareness.
00:04:37 --> 00:04:41 Encourage opportunities for students to practice these skills through activities
00:04:41 --> 00:04:46 like peer mediation, community service projects, collaborative group work,
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 all of the stuff we know helps foster that student well-being.
00:04:50 --> 00:04:54 Also, ensure readily accessible mental health services such as school counselors,
00:04:54 --> 00:04:59 social workers. Make sure these are here to address the unique emotional and
00:04:59 --> 00:05:01 social challenges faced by students living in poverty.
00:05:01 --> 00:05:05 These services can provide individual and group counseling, family support,
00:05:05 --> 00:05:09 or just even referrals to community resources, anything that's going to help
00:05:09 --> 00:05:11 create a supportive network for students to thrive.
00:05:11 --> 00:05:15 The last piece that we can do, and this is the part that Dr.
00:05:15 --> 00:05:18 King sure taught us, that is we can advocate for change.
00:05:18 --> 00:05:21 Advocate for policies and funding that are going to support schools in addressing
00:05:21 --> 00:05:24 the systematic issues that contribute to poverty.
00:05:24 --> 00:05:27 This can include advocating for increased funding for schools in high poverty
00:05:27 --> 00:05:32 areas, supporting policies that address issues like affordable housing and food
00:05:32 --> 00:05:36 insecurity, but also collaborating with community organizations to provide wraparound
00:05:36 --> 00:05:38 services for students and families.
00:05:39 --> 00:05:43 Remember, confronting poverty requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses
00:05:43 --> 00:05:47 the root causes of poverty and provides students with the support they need to thrive.
00:05:47 --> 00:05:51 It's crucial to create a school environment where all students feel valued,
00:05:52 --> 00:05:55 supported, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
00:05:55 --> 00:05:59 It certainly would make Dr. King proud to know this is a focus for you every day.
00:05:59 --> 00:06:03 That's it for today's Your Morning Boost. I hope these tips empower you to create
00:06:03 --> 00:06:06 a more equitable and supporting learning environment for all students.
00:06:06 --> 00:06:09 Thanks for listening. We will talk with you again tomorrow.
00:06:09 --> 00:06:13 You have been listening to your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:06:13 --> 00:06:15 with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:06:15 --> 00:06:20 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:06:21 --> 00:06:25 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:06:25 --> 00:06:29 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.