Poverty at Epidemic Levels in Public Schools Across the Country

Any teacher that teaches in public schools, especially Title I schools, can tell that poverty is a serious issue. Research data published by the Southern Education Foundation (SEF) shows that the majority of school children in public schools are from poor families. As teachers of public school students, we see first hand the impact that educational policy has on the lives of economically disadvantaged children on a daily basis.

According to the Southern Education Foundation, “In 40 of the 50 states, low income students comprised no less than 40 percent of all public school children. In 21 states, children eligible for free or reduced-price lunches were a majority of the students in 2013.”

From the New York Times:
Students from such families tend to arrive at school with different needs than those from middle-class and affluent families. They may have more medical problems or behavioral issues and need extra academic help. Unlike their wealthier peers, they do not have the benefit of music lessons, private sports leagues, tutoring or trips to cultural events, and their schools are left to fill in the gaps. Read more…