EDUC5010 Week 6 Discussion Question Unit 6

This unit has presented numerous issues affecting equitable access to education around the
world. Choose the one issue you feel is most important or pressing. This can be an issue situated
in your current country or not. Please describe:
 the issue and put it in context

 how teachers can help affect this issue.
According to Unicef (2021) “While Jamaica has made significant gains to promote access,
quality, relevance and equity in education, major gaps remain. Most children have access to
publicly-funded education, but for many of them the effects of poverty lead to absence, lack of
progress, chronic under-performance and, in some cases, the failure to complete their education.”
This is particularly true for boys, and for schools in low-income communities in rural and urban
areas. Boys living in these communities are more likely to drop out of school and become at-risk,
unattached youth. The education sector also continues to be challenged in providing a quality
education for all children.”
Children’s access to High Schools has always been a major problem in Jamaica. Primary
education is free however, it ends at grade 6. It is a requirement for children to pass an
examination in order to get into high schools. This is associated with numerous fees and other
necessities that children require and only a few parents are able to manage the costs therefore,
the dropout rate is considerably high. There are some scholarships provided to subsidize the cost
for some high school students but only some students are able to benefit from them.
Green (2010) argues that “The effect of poverty on the educational success of poor children
cuts deeper than merely supplying hungry children with a nourishing meal. Poverty can lead to
low self-esteem. Children from poverty-stricken homes are well aware of their peers who dress
better and most times become embarrassed by what they have to wear. This leads to them
becoming withdrawn in class, which creates a bad learning environment.”
Families from low economic status often have to make a choice between sending their
children to school or providing for basic needs. Even if they do not have to pay tuition fees, there
are other costs associated with schooling. Rodriguez (2020). Children living in disadvantaged
rural areas face more challenges in accessing education. The primary schools are free, but you
have to pay for higher education, which can be very expensive, especially for many
underprivileged children. As a result, many children who are doing well at the primary level are
unable to pursue further education. As a result of this there are high levels of absences, learning
disorders and under-performance, thus leading to failure in completing secondary education.
This has a significant impact on boys. Children who do not have access to education are forced
to work in order to provide for themselves. I have seen where poverty has forced many young
girls living in the tourist areas, into prostitution. A significant number of minors can often be
seen offering their services in exchange for money or food.
He also suggests that there are other factors that worsen the effects of poverty on a children's
education. The majority of our children who are faced with poverty are exposed to unsafe
environments that are not beneficial to learning. The lives of these children are often on the line
and the evidence of this is quite evident in the country. Poverty, affects access to education as
well as the learning experiences they might gain.
Sloan (2019) believes that “Students living in poverty will continue to struggle academically
because of a lack of funding to low income communities, low support from families, and low
literacy levels. The widening gap between the rich and the poor is mirrored in the educational
system as well. Parents living in poverty are struggling to provide essential food and housing,
and this stress at home is having a negative effect on students’ potential graduation.” Educators
can help to unlock the chains that poverty has on education and help students find academic
success through the following suggestions proposed by Building Momentum in Schools (2015):
 If teachers are aware that peers are mocking disadvantaged students, they should put a
stop to the harassment.
 Students who live in poverty do not have a wide variety of experiences therefore,
teachers can connect learning with real life situations by exposing them to places outside
of school.
 Build a strong relationship with disadvantaged students as they often require someone
they can trust and who will listen to them.
 Praise their achievements in school instead of what they own in order to build their self-
esteem.
 Provide access to technology and other printed materials so that they will be exposed to
print media as schools might be the only place where they get this opportunity.
 Poverty doesn’t mean that someone is ignorant therefore, teachers should have high
expectations for students.
 Only if students are in violation of the dress code should comments be made about their
clothes or personal belongings.
 Students might have a different set of social rules at home and may not know the
appropriate behaviors for school therefore, teachers should take time to help them
understand the reasons for rules and procedures.
 Requirements for school supplies should be kept simple because not everyone will be
able to purchase them.
 Provide a bank of shared resources where students can borrow if they are in need.
 Activities should not be costly in order to involve everyone in the learning process.
 Provide free meals for students if they do not have lunch money.
 Try to be sensitive to the potential for embarrassment by not making requests or

comments from low-income students.
 Let students understand that they are equally important and that they are valued despite
their lack of possessions.
References
Building Momentum in Schools, (2015). What Teachers Can Do to Support Students Living
in Poverty. What teachers can do to support students living in poverty | Building Momentum in
Schools
Green, R. (2010). Poverty is the Enemy of Education. Poverty is the enemy of education |
Letters | Jamaica Gleaner (jamaica-gleaner.com)
Rodriguez, L. (2020) Why Global Citizens Should Care? Understanding How Poverty is the
Main Barrier to Education (globalcitizen.org)
Sloan, T. (2019). Supporting Students Living in Poverty. EJ1230335.pdf (ed.gov)
Unicef, (2021). Lifelong learning Our vision: Quality Education for all Children
https://www.unicef.org/jamaica/lifelong-learning

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This unit has presented numerous issues affecting equitable access to education around the

 the issue and put it in context

 Try to be sensitive to the potential for embarrassment by not making requests or

Sloan, T. (2019). Supporting Students Living in Poverty. EJ1230335.pdf (ed.gov)

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