Possibilities

Addressing Poverty in Elementary Schools

Elementary school educators are dedicated professionals who continually search for new and creative ways to address socio-economic issues. Educators in every school face issues of poverty in some way or other and all want an equitable education where every student can reach his or her potential. The ideas and the strategies in the book not only encourage educators to understand tensions, assumptions, and biases educators may unknowingly hold, but to take action. This book challenges educators to keep three key questions in mind as they look at poverty through new lenses:

1. What can teachers and school communities do to better understand and support children and families living in poverty?

2. What are some of the more successful and creative educational approaches to engaging children, parents, and communities who are experiencing poverty?

3. What can educators do to challenge assumptions and deficit-based thinking towards children and communities experiencing poverty?