Education and Income by Erika Smith

In America, education is free for all. It is mandatory that all children go to school until the age of about 16 years old. Despite that education is free and available for students, is it safe to say that all students of different income level receive the same education? Although most education is necessary, is every student receiving the same outcome of what they are learning? The answer to that is no. There are numerous children based on where they live and how much money their parents’ make who are deprived from better education. This will dissect the effects of income inequality for children in school as well as expand how it is relevant for their present and future.

First, children usually go to the school that is within their area. If they choose to not attend that school, they probably have to pay money to get into a private one (which will later be discussed) Children who live in low income neighborhoods will most likely attend the school within their area.  According to the US Department of Health Services, youth who live in low income neighborhood are more likely to engage in poor behaviors such as gang related, indulge in violence, steal, or become a runaway (Human Service, 2009). Nearly one third of the youth will not receive high school diplomas with about a quarter going on to a 4 year college. Living in a low income neighborhood, children are more likely to follow into these categories. Schools within these neighborhoods suffer losses within the student body. Some adults of the surrounding neighborhood have little to no hope in any of these adolescents succeeding. They have little support from their community and most times their own family.

Despite the higher possibilities of violence or dropouts, it doesn’t conclude that each teenager will end up falling to that category. There are plenty of students who want to succeed and outlive the “statistic” of what society believes they will become. Since their parents’ income is almost around the poverty line, they have no control as what school they will attend. The adolescents that want to better themselves ultimately lose out on the opportunity. How so? As a future teacher myself, and experience from seeing other teachers, one can easily be distracted by the “bad” students. Having to constantly become a baby sitter takes away from classroom management and attention on teaching. The students who are there to learn are not able to get the most of their school day because the teacher is not able to teach the way they should be. Another way students are not gaining the full experience is the lack of feeling safe. When there is high gang rates, high school are more cautions on weapons and fights. Students may be afraid to go to school which makes for missing homework and possibly lower grades. All of these factors tie into how having low income can lead to lack of a better education.

Next, students that come from lower income families have less access to resources. The biggest component in today’s society is technology. Technology has become a necessity in the classroom. It is impossible to write a paper without having access to the internet. A lot of children who live in low income neighborhoods do not have a computer at home. They may have to stay after school to use the computer which can be unaccommodating. According to American Psychological Association, students with lower income also cannot afford books, or tutors that promote a helpful learning environment (American Psychology Association, 2003). A lot of the parents that have low income jobs are working late hours into the night. They are never home and are not there to help their children with any questions on homework given to them. In comparison to children with a more stable income, their parents may be home by five to six o’clock, which gives enough time for questions in the evening. They also more likely have computers, books, and other resources that can help with homework. If children are very fortunate and their family can afford it, they may be able to sign them up for tutoring programs or have their own personal tutor. This greatly shows the vast difference on how income inequality leads to education inequality.

Not only do low income neighborhoods suffer from lack or resources at home, most of the time the school itself is in poor condition. The actual building may be falling apart, there won’t be enough text books or none at all, and unfortunately bad teachers. Going into a school that can be compared to a prison can discouraging. Students will lack school spirit, and it will feed into them believing they are not good enough. Since the school performance is probably lower academically, they are not getting enough money from the state that gives them the proper resources to learn; that too enables low self-esteem within the students. Teachers also play a major role in how the students learn. 27% of teachers actually major in the subject they are teaching in low income schools in comparison to 43% in a higher income school. This depicts the quality of education that each student is receiving (American Psychological Association, 2003). Having a good teacher is a necessity, especially in environments where the students need to be motivated socially, emotionally and academically.

As a future teacher myself, I am aware that each of my students will come from different backgrounds in race, culture and financial stability. Since there are statistics that show lower income may lead to a lesser education experience, I intend on accommodating my students to the best of my ability. Ways in which I will do is lending textbooks out, allowing time after school for help, and offering use of the internet during lunch hours or after school. This will enable my students to feel they have some access to what other students have usual access to. When I do become a teacher, a key component is to be there as an adult guide for my students. Depending on the area I decide to go into, there will be various needs that I will need to adjust to. It will be a challenge yet I am excited to motivate my students that feel like they have no one encouraging them.

In conclusion, it is vital to understand how much income inequality afflicts students across the country. There is a higher need of accommodating children who do not believe they are good enough and feel that they cannot achieve much in life. If teachers and people in their community take the time to offer the students the best they have, there is constant room for improvement. There is a common need in every student across America and a common understand that each child should receive the best education as possible. It is the goal of future educators for the sake of future American to prepare the students. Comprehending the facts is vital and if everyone becomes aware, there is hope for each students and low income will no longer play a role.

References

American Psychological Association. (2003). Fact sheet: Facts about low income students and education. Washington, DC: American Psychological

ASPE Fact sheet. (2009). Fact sheet: Youth from low income families. Washington, DC: ASPE