Group Presentation 1

"The Cross Between Poverty and Academic Performance"

Within the African-American community, the issue of academic performance has been prevalent in many circles. From the effects of hip-hop on the popularity of education amongst young Black kids to the teacher-student ratios that impact the rate of how our kids learn, it appears as though we try to use every avenue possible to ensure that our kids have the best scholastic opportunities possible. The MEAN GREEN group brought up a very critical argument that must be discussed because of the low-income situation many African-Americans find themselves in, POVERTY. That is not to say that being African-American is synonymous with being poverty stricken because there are many other cultures who are low income and there are some Black people doing quite well for themselves.

What I got out of the presentation was that there should not be the cliche argument that people in poverty-stricken situations can't afford better schooling. While that is true, poverty can have an even invidious effect on our children that I once thought. Being born into poverty affects other factors like: eating habits, higher risk of stress, higher tendency for poor academic environment, and less positive role models. All of these factors can affect a child who should be in school carefree to learn. Some solutions include: increased government spending, emphasizing stronger parent-teacher relationships, and a better relationships among parents and teachers.

By Kasaun Wilson