Wow! I found this article to be an ‘eye’ opener. I have heard of Ruby Payne and my last school actually gave each staff member her book, A Framework of Understanding Poverty. We also had staff development devoted to Ruby Payne’s advise on teaching children from lower socioeconomic status. I have not thoroughly read A Framework for Understanding Poverty but it does sit on my school bookshelf. I had no idea that her studies and research had never been verified. I always thought that Ruby Payne must have grown up in ‘poverty’ conditions herself and thus using her own expereince as passion for written these books.
I do agree with the article that, as educators, we are in need of ways to assist lower socioeconmic students in order to provide them teaching that will allow for educational achievement. I believe that engaging the students in meaningful learning and making our teaching connect with students personal background are ways that all teachers can help to bridge this gap. I agree with the author of this article when stating, “We need to understand that the poor themselves are not the problem; the problem is the fact that the poor do not have realistic opportunities to escape from poverty.” As teachers we have the ability to begin to make a difference and reshape society. I think that we must set high expectations for all of our students and be committed to our teaching and students learning. Throuhout these courses I have really began to rethink my beliefs and I am learning to begin to use a critical eye to examine literature, not only literature I read with my students, but also literature I read to further and influence my own educational philosophy.
5 responses so far ↓
1
colettesblog
// Mar 21, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Isn’t this eye opening? Do you remember last year we had an area lead teacher ( I think that is who she was) gave us a small lecture on Ruby Payne. I remember she was so amazed with what Ruby was saying and felt strongly that we could benefit from reading her book. She sold me on it at the time..just because it seemed to make sense and I had never viewed it from the standpoint of seeing poor people in the “deficit” way. I never read the book because we never brought the subject up again in staff meetings but it is on my list of “Must Reads” now. I do appreciate these articles we have read in class because I will be reading it now with a critical eye. HaHa, I think we are supposed to revisit the book next year…you best believe I will be giving these articles to Mr. Bivens!
2
nbernard1
// Mar 21, 2009 at 4:28 pm
It was really interesting reading these articles because everyone has always told me such great things about Ruby Payne and her work. I agree with you in that setting high expectations for our students will help them to achieve higher goals.
3
sboyd14
// Mar 21, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Kim,
These articles as well as the 10 chairs were also “eye openers” for me. I had always heard Ruby Payne referred to as an expert on teaching children of poverty. The articles opened my eyes to realize she may not be an expert on this topic at all and it seems to be more of a money-making enterprise for her.
I agree that teachers must maintain high expectations for all students, and provide experiences in which we require them to think critically.
Thanks!
Sandy
4
ljohnson11
// Mar 21, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I agree this article was an eye opener. I had heard of Ruby Payne but never been exposed to any of her work. I agree with you high expectations for every student is important. In a recent conversation about RTI with another teacher I realized that once I enter into the RTI process I do not have as high expectations for my students. After this realization I know I will try hard to keep high expectations for all of my students, even if they have difficulties. I really liked what Jody said in class ” All children can think.”
5
nsims2
// Mar 23, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Kim, I think it’s good that you have decided to be more critical about the literature you read for yourself and your students. I know I am working toward using the criteria given in the article from the packet when choosing books for my students. I know I have not always done this and was once mid-book when I realized it wasn’t a good choice for me to read (it was a Skippy John Jones book). I would encourage you and all those with Ruby Payne’s book in their schools to challenge your administration on their decisions to incorporate her framework within your professional development.
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