Michelle Boulet - Blog 7

For me, the chapter “Structural and Social Inequalities in Schooling” really highlighted the fact that it is important to find out where your students come from. Developing a connection with them and understanding what factors might influence their education can help you realize what methods you might use to help them reach their potential. Studies have shown that less traditional families “may have fewer resources available for children and have fewer role models, and may also be characterized by higher levels of stress, all of which can adversely affect educational outcomes” (198-9). Students like this might crave attention or you can help just by caring about them and ensuring that they feel like they can trust you. Students that also might need more attention are children in care. I definitely agree that “clear lines of communication and co-operation among social workers, foster parents, and schools are needed to enhance the school performance of children in care” (204). Teachers need to know the type of situations their students are facing in order to help them get the resources they need. At my practicum school, many after-school programs are offered to help children gain new skills or give them extra help with homework. If the teacher knows what the student might be lacking, they can help get them into the right programs to allow them to succeed. Lastly, as a teacher, you need to be sensitive to students who are new to Canada. Studies have proven that immigrant students perform poorly in school compared to students who were born in that country. It is believed that “much of the disadvantage experienced by some immigrant and Canadian-born ethnic groups is largely attributable to economic factors” (207). Immigrant families often have low paying jobs or jobs with bad hours and in order to supply for their family, parents do not have much time or money to spend on their children. This will result in a lack of resources and programs available to the students. Like in care children, teachers should know of many programs that students can be involved in to get the extra help they need. Teachers need to know the situations and obstacles students might face in excelling in their education. They need to get to know each student’s unique perspective in order to help them in any way they can.

Discussion Question: What types of programs can be implemented to help these types of students who face obstacles in succeeding in their education?