Title One Truths

By. Teresa Marchant

For some students and their families this may not be the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”  Working in a low-income school is eye opening especially during the holiday season. By sharing my experiences, I hope that you will see things in a different perspective .

Having at least 40% of your student population on free/reduced lunch is typically the threshold to indicate Title 1 status. It is important to be mindful that low income students may have other fundamental issues which can make it almost impossible to get into the fundamentals of teaching and learning. 

Chronic Lice- low income doesn’t mean dirty. Remember exterminating these critters is more than hair treatments, it’s cleaning their entire house.  This can be very time consuming and frustrating when they creep back up.

Behavior- this time of year comes with a lot of emotions. Financial strain in families may cause uncertainty and anxiety for many students. This boils over into the classroom and is often deeply rooted in situations happening at home.

Constant Hunger and Food Insecurity- as we approach upcoming festivities, remember that many students go without food. In our district we provide free breakfast, lunch, and weekend meals.  

Transient populations- In my experience, winter and fall breaks are typically a time when students may transfer to new schools or districts. Issues such as unemployment or lack of housing, may be contributing factors. I’ve had students living in cars, camper trailers and even sleeping on relatives’ couches. Often these students return, which may leave holes in the learning if they didn’t actually attend school.

Absenteeism- We know from the research, students from low income households often have parents without formal education beyond high school. If parents don’t see the value in education, they are less likely to support their child’s education. Being sensitive to student and family situations goes beyond a season or a holiday. A family support center can play an integral part in connecting home and school relationships. Having an educator as their advocate will be crucial for future success. I encourage you to Invite parents to learn more about available support and resources.