While negotiating some of the norms and commonalities within the highly debatable notion on the culture of poverty (many will argue it is not a "culture" - Dr. Zorka Karanxja is one who comes to mind ...,) we do have to be mindful that though we have data and research to support some outstanding trends within various cultures, we do not want to reinforce stereotypes, especially the negative ones. Stereotype after stereotype is broken down as we gather more information and become skilled at understanding that we can’t be colorblind from a racial or socioeconomic perspective.
"Our differences matter, but we are more alike than different." ~Dr. Leonard Burello
We have to stop having conversations about what deficits the students have and start having conversation about which assets they bring to the table.
Be mindful, we should keep all of this information in mind and apply what works for our collective classes, but we must also recognize that there is no one size fits all program for meeting the needs of any students, including students of poverty. We must take in what we can, sharpen our skill, and seek to understand how to meet the needs of all of our children.
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