Focus on Learning
Traditional understandings of intelligence, such as IQ tests, rely on a notions of middle class intelligence. Using measures such as this do not accurately reflect the intelligence of students from generational poverty. A huge part of intelligence is the inter-generational transfer of knowledge and skills. Students from generation poverty learn a different set of knowledge and skills compared to students from middle class families.
Intelligence is developed through teaching and learning.
Teaching is what occurs outside of the head.
Learning is what occurs inside the head.
Students from generational poverty begin school with a different set of knowledge than middle class students. Relegating these students to special education or Title 1 programs is not a solution. Instead students need to be taught not only the concepts they need to be successful in school, but also the cognitive strategies that will give them the ability to handle new information in an organized way.
Intelligence is developed through teaching and learning.
Teaching is what occurs outside of the head.
Learning is what occurs inside the head.
Students from generational poverty begin school with a different set of knowledge than middle class students. Relegating these students to special education or Title 1 programs is not a solution. Instead students need to be taught not only the concepts they need to be successful in school, but also the cognitive strategies that will give them the ability to handle new information in an organized way.