(NAME-MCE) Ruby Payne Article from Washington Post

[Good, Stacie L]

Dr. Herring,
 
The experiences mentioned in the poverty test did not fit with the experiences of the students in my school district.  I grew up in a poor town and many of the families lived below the poverty line.  Like you said in your post, their survival had nothing to do with learning to fight or using guns.  My teachers had to use money from their own pockets to make sure these kids had the supplies they needed.  The school had to supply a majority of them with free and reduced lunches.  The students biggest concerns were about not being able to afford things the other students had (clothes, cars, etc.), not because they needed them, but because they wanted to fit in.  Their issues at home were about parents that didn't support them or were never around.
 
While it sounds like an interesting book, I think it stereotypes and generalizes people living in poverty.  I'm sure the situation is as bad as Payne says it is in some areas, but not in all.  I don't feel that this book would offer much to the teachers in my school district as it does not address issues that they have to deal with.  And I would have to disagree that you are a boring woman!  Everyone has meaningful experiences worth sharing with others, and as a teacher, you certainly have much to offer!
 
Stacie Good