Propp’s Propaganda

On Friday, four local schools that collectively teach a good amount of students at the poverty level gathered together in one spot to listen to an expert on poverty.  We heard stories and this person’s observations and much was discussed about the difference between upper, middle and lower class and the hidden values.  Now, as mentioned many times before, I teach in a rural school with several students that live at the poverty level.  Although I found the information interesting, I really wanted to hear how we as teachers deal with this issue.  I believe having a clear understanding of the values that people in different classes possess, yet, how do we deal with students and parents who live in poverty?  How can we teach better to students of various classes, what are some key phrases, what can we incorporate or NOT incorporate into our classes and instruction to reach these students better?  Also, there are the parents and the personal relationships that many people at the poverty level have are also important.  How is a parent phone call with those parents different than a parent from a middle class? Those are the tools that I was hoping to walk away with on Friday, and I really didn’t.  What I have learned I have learned by teaching students who have a vast range of classes.  However, most of the class levels are middle to lower class.  I have had to learn an entirely different way of living from what I grew up knowing.  What did I know?  I thought everyone lived like I did.  I found out differently.  I really wish the  four neighboring schools could have spent the money that was payed to this speaker ( which I am sure was a large sum ) on equipment and updates that we so desperately need for our schools, instead of “preaching to the choir”.  What was  told us and what they showed us, we live five days a week.

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