Question

Arlene is a ninth-grade student from a low-SES household. Though capable academically, she is not performing on grade level, does not complete or turn in her homework, and has difficulty staying engaged during her classes.

Identify at least three challenges related to low SES that might explain why Arlene is having difficulty in school.

After speaking to Arlene and confirming your suspicions, explain four ways you could help her to succeed in the classroom.

Answer 1

One of the most important things Arlene experience might be the much needed economic support which all the low SES students face. Poverty can affect the way she thinks, feels and behaves outside. Second thing may be that her parents do not have a proper relationship with her and the reason could be that her parents might be drinking and fighting at home. The third reason could be that since she is in ninth grade she might be experiencing lots of physical and emotional changes that might distract her from her classes.

The first thing I would suggest to Arlene is to understand that poverty shouldn’t hold her from achieving what she wants in life. It’s about developing self-confidence and having high self-esteem because at times, she thinks that she is not equal with other students.

The second thing I would do is to help her design a workable plan to cope with the academic performance by creating an action plan. I would also follow and review her in regular intervals.

Third thing I would do is to meet Arlene’s parents and tell them that her daughter’s education is important to her and the family. So, supporting her financially and emotionally would help her achieve great heights in life.

Finally, I would talk with Arlene about the hormonal changes and its effect during the adolescent age. I would also tell her that this is the age where one is more energetic and at the same time one is also subjected to lots of distraction. So, focusing on the tasks at hand would help her stay on the course.