The US Census Bureau defines a poverty income threshold to determine if someone is living in poverty. If their income is below this threshold, they are classified as being in poverty. Poverty brings more than just financial hardship; it also leads to chronic stress for both families and children, increased health risks, and limited healthcare access.
This paper will analyze the impact of poverty on children’s school performance, including factors like the educational system that may contribute to an increase in special education enrollment. Children living in poverty face different circumstances compared to their wealthier peers, often exposed to unsafe environments characterized by drug activity, gang violence, and unsanitary living conditions. Moreover, these children frequently suffer from inadequate nutrition. Research has indicated that these environmental conditions can influence children’s cognitive abilities, academic performance, and behavior (Engle & Black, 2008) (Morgan et al., 2012), which are important considerations for teachers when referring students for special education services. Additionally, parents in these environments also encounter challenges related to drugs and violence that lead to their absence.
References
- Maryland does not see a link between poverty and special education. Retrieved November 9, 2013, from Special Ed Post: http://specialedpost.com/2013/01/28/maryland-does-not-see-a-link-between-poverty-and-speical-education/ Ladd, H. (2012).
- Education and poverty: Confronting the evidence. Journal of Polcy Analysis and Management, 31(2), 203-227. Morgan, P. L., Farkas, G., Hillemeier, M., & Maczuga, S. (2012, December).
- Are minority children disproportionately represented in early intervention and early childhood special education? Educational Researcher, 41(9), 339-351. Thompson, V. (2012).
- Relationship between poverty & special education placement. Retrieved November 9, 2013, from Global Post: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/relationship-between-poverty-special-education-placement-8309.html
