Research shows that children from low-income families are less prepared for school at the age of five. Additionally, 67% of public school 8th graders cannot read at their grade level. These issues can be corrected by making preschool education a right for all children, creating a level playing field. Tax-based public education funding can be used to create equitable resources for all children, regardless of race or poverty levels. Extra attention can be applied for students from poor and low-income families, children with disabilities, non-English speaking students, homeless children and those in foster care, as well as those exiting juvenile detention programs.
Children's Defense Fund suggests the following solutions to eliminate discriminatory practices and policies in early childhood education:
- Promote equitable school funding
- Work to reduce the achievement gap
- End the school-to-prison pipeline
- Expand after-school and summer literacy opportunities
The suggested solutions to eliminate discriminatory practices and policies in early childhood education seem promising. If people and policies are put in place, the achievement gaps can be closed by giving access to quality care and education for all children early on.
ReplyDeleteJamie, this is a sad reality that lower income families and African American students do not always have the same opportunities for education. I am so fortunate to be a site manager for a quality early childhood program that serves all children, but focuses on those who fall below the poverty line. Thank you Jamie I enjoyed reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteJamie, I like that you mentioned funding, seeing as low-income and disadvantaged families are the most affected when achievement gaps are looked into. The inability for a child to read at their grade level is indeed sad and something to be looked into from early childhood. I recently heard a stakeholder in the ECE field speak on the importance of reading to children and how it can help them to read as they get older. She concluded by saying that, children need to learn to read by grade 3 because they have to read to learn for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteJamie, teachers can also motivate children to achieve academically in school. Providing necessities that students lack at home such as after school snacks before offering free tutoring allows students to focus more on subjects that they find complicated.
ReplyDeleteIts sad that children who are in 8th grade are still not on grade level. There is so much that needs to be fixed. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJamie,
ReplyDeletewe as educators must build relationships with the parents and families as well, in order to be able to assist with their needs. Strong relationships between teachers and families are associated with improved student behavior at school, higher self-esteem, and better school attendance. Building relationships can also help to reduce the achievement gap.