Socioeconomic Factors & Literacy Learning

PROBLEM: I currently work with a first grade team that wants to improve our dedication to providing support for our students not only at school but also at home.  When we discuss this topic as a team we have identified the need for more home and school collaboration with our families.   GOALS/OBJECTIVES: Objective 1: My team holds weekly meetings with our Principal and usually a few other important teachers that pull students for special services.  During our PLC meetings we can bring up any concerns we have or anything important we need to discuss.  My first goal would be to discuss the problem and have a conversation about providing our students with more home and school collaboration in the PLC meeting.  I would ask them what they think or if they had any suggestions,  I would also ask if they would be willing to listen to a presentation in the future at a staff meeting.   Objective 2: I would want to give a presentation to the whole staff...

Problem: Inconsistent literacy learning expectations is contributing to the perpetuation of the literacy  achievement gap between students with differing socioeconomic backgrounds nationwide. These  inconsistent expectations are not always present because of a conscious decision on the teachers  part. Many educators may in fact believe that they are helping students who they know are  struggling with the obstacles characteristic of poverty.  It is my belief that we need to ensure all  teachers understand that this in fact hurting students, rather than helping them. The truth of the matter  is, students living in poverty do have significant barriers to becoming successful readers and writers.  However, lowering expectations of these students is not the appropriate way to combat this issue. That  being said, we need to make sure we equip both teachers and students with the right tools and materials  in order for students to effectively acc...