Poverty and Teenagers: Does Location Matter?
In school systems today, it is very apparent that where you live matters. Some individuals lack the ability to learn by the location in which they reside. For those students who live in suburban towns, they are fortunate enough to enjoy a better, more developed school ambiance. On the other hand, students who live in urban areas, located mainly in the city, might not have the same advantages of suburban town students. For example, more affluent towns have the means to support school systems. With more money comes a better sports program, an improved academic curriculum, a strong music department and a selection of after-school activities. In contrast, Inner-city schools may not have the proper funding they need to have enriching school agendas. Since these schools lack the funding they need for a superior school environment, students may lack interest in their school and therefore resort to other forms of activity that could potentially be destructive. An increase in gang violence and overall destruction are primarily based in underprivileged towns as opposed to privileged towns.
Another issue that may decrease a student’s ability to learn in school is poverty itself. According to a newspaper article titled “Poor Teens ‘Lag Two Years Behind” from BBC News, children raised in poor households are nine months behind in the learning progress. With this in mind, what is it that we can do to solve this situation? For a better tomorrow, we must help each and every child today to achieve a successful education no matter how underprivileged he or she may be. In Paulo Freire’s essay “The Banking Concept of Education,” Freire states that students in the classroom are essentially vessels in which the teacher or “oppressor” pours in his own thoughts and ideas. Living in Brazil, Freire was a strong advocate who helped to teach the poor how the read and write. According to Freire, education is corrupted by the “act of depositing” information into the “depositories” or minds of oppressed students. With this system, students are inhibited of having any voice or freedom to inquiry.
Freire strove to truly educate the poor people of Brazil. Like the people of Brazil in the mid twentieth century, students in the United States as well as many other nations within the world today still struggle for an education. Whether it is the location in which one lives or the amount of money one owns, everyone should have to right to learn and participate in school.
8 comments:
I strongly agree that where a student resides plays a big role in the quality of education he/she receives. I live in the city and have found the education system to have many disadvantages. The academic standards are also a lot more strict. Students are required to take the MCAS where they are tested based on a curriculum. As for an education system where students feel too much is expected from them they often choose not to go to school.
The school systems do not receive enough funding for programs or school supplies. Not enough teachers are produced in areas such as math and science. In contrast, in a suburban area the community is more involved in the aspect of education and are more financially fit. A student is more likely to want to learn.
According to Freire, the term "oppressed" is used for those who are dominated by others. In the inner-city school system, students do not have as much interest in education because of their poor involvement in the system. The system is there and students must follow. This system remains poor because not enough actions are being taken for improvements.
First of, this was nicely written peice. A lot rhetorical appeals were used, which helped get your point across. I find myself willingly agreeing with what you said. Class, statist and where one resides is something that effects us all but mainly student that live in Urban areas. Coming form a low-funded school, I found myself facing obstales. Obstacles such as not enough books or cuts on extracurricular activities, basically things that I knew were not likely to happen in Suburban areas. From my perspective I find it wrong, what gives anyone that right to judge others because of their class? What gives anyone the ability to judge on ones potential? How can I defeat societies purpose when there are not enough fundings for the tools that I need. Until society learns stops judging, things will never change.
I also agree that where a student resides is very important in the development of the educational aspect. Living on the tip of Cape Cod, where residents are mostly wealthy, schools are funded plenty, fields are big and green, and time and attention is devoted to each and every student you are able to experience a range of benefits. In the city, schools are limited for space and students lack one-on-one time with their teachers. Some schools are unable to provide sporting activities, less books and supplies, and a range of extracurricular events.
Poverty plays an important role as well in urban schools. America runs on money, and without this in our lives people struggle. The cost for schooling, food, clothing, gas, and now education can leave people in a bad state.
Friere's method to teach the underprivileged and poor students for hopes of a smarter, stronger place worked out well. School districts have tended to deposit information into students without any overall outcome of understanding the material. Mentioned in the "Banking Concept of Education", the "depositors" generate information that is understood, and repeated. The "Deposits" simply do as told. Education is now coming to a larger picture where analyzing and understanding interest is now involved.
I agree completely that it is important for students to be offered the same educational opportunities regardless of where they live. Students who live in urban areas should have equal advantages so they have the desire to come to school everyday and actually want to learn. Students in suburban areas have more money so they have better programs, and are given more opportunities to succeed. In Freire's essay "The Banking Concept of Education" he emphasises the education of the lower class. It is important for all class systems to have equal opportunities for education, so that the youth of our country can grow up and try to see beyond class systems. A proper education can help students in urban settings to make a better life, and successful future for themselves. Our focus should be on balancing the educational systems in our country and giving everyone a voice no matter where they reside.
I fully agree that the education value of students depends on where they live. I have moved over a dozen times, so I have been able to experience a broad range of school qualities. First living in Georgetown, MA I was able to be granted a great education because the city of Georgetown is fortunate enough to be wealthy. From there I moved to Haverhill, MA. The education level quickly changed from a wealthy suburban school system to a struggling urban education. Yes, Haverhill was an overall nice school, but in comparison to Georgetown, it was way below level. I did not want to stay there for long, so I quickly transferred back to Georgetown High. After that, my family moved to Albany, NY. This school system was something I had never expected. Haverhill was a paradise compared to this. There were body guards at each corner and the classes were completely chaotic. It seemed as if the teachers had little control over their students. The only classes that I found productive were the honors courses. Beyond that, it seemed as if the “city life” took a hold of the school system as well. There was trash everywhere, the books were barely holding together, and the teachers couldn’t control their students. I did not stay in Albany for too long before my family decided to move back to Massachusetts. Boxford had been the town of choice this time around. Boxford, MA is a very wealthy town which combines their high school with Middleton and Topsfield, both also wealthy. The education level quickly increased ten fold. Masconomet Regional High School was the high school for the three towns. The three towns had just finished rebuilding the school, costing more than 5 billion dollars. In this school, each room had multiple computers, TV for announcements, brand new books, and no security guards. Here I was able to excel greatly in my studies. The teachers were able to control the students and actually supply work and be productive. Each teacher stayed after in order to help students whom requested it. Due to my personal experiences, I would say that location is a definite factor in the educational level of schooling. With a wealthier town, comes better schooling due to the fact of more funds. Without much money, the educational level greatly plummets.
Personally I do not think the place where one is coming from affects their education. It might affect people that don't understand how to cope with their environment; however, this is not a fact towards many students. I know that From experience that my family is not the richest and my neighborhood is not the safest but I feel as though I am receiving a good education and I am doing the best I can to try and rise above all the conflicts of my neighborhood. I feel as though it takes a lot of determination and self evaluation to decide where you want to stand socially and educationally.
Personally I do not think the place where one is coming from affects their education. It might affect people that don't understand how to cope with their environment; however, this is not a fact towards many students. I know that From experience that my family is not the richest and my neighborhood is not the safest but I feel as though I am receiving a good education and I am doing the best I can to try and rise above all the conflicts of my neighborhood. I feel as though it takes a lot of determination and self evaluation to decide where you want to stand socially and educationally.
What about the possible advantages to living in a city? Out in the burbs, it's a long drive to the museums, arti films, and other cultural events that are a T-stop away for city kids. I'm wondering if the cities do not actually offer resources that are being ignored by the students or even by teachers.
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