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The Struggle
This theme has to do with the fact that many of us come from families that are poor or working class. Our families are working very hard to pay the bills and keep a roof over our heads and sometimes school is not our priority. This isn’t because we’re bad, or don’t care, it’s because there’s a lot going on in our lives. When we’re absent, or late, because of real-life things going on, we get punished, or judged.
A lot of school policies, practices, and expectations are built around middle class families- families that have 2 parents and are financially secure. That’s not most of us.
Issues happening now
What this looks like in our schools:
Teachers, staff, and admin not walking in our shoes, not showing compassion when that’s what we need; instead having a bias against us
Attendance and tardy policies that punish students for being late or absent even if it’s with good reason. ***Our very first campaign focused on this issue and has helped a lot. Students are now able to appeal credits lost due to absences and the school sends out warning letters when students are in danger of losing credits because of absences. We celebrate these improvements!
Parent teacher conferences don’t work for working parents who can’t call out and don’t have paid time off
The SAT is given once at the school, then we have to go to Groton or Waterford to re-take it, which becomes a transportation issue
We’ve heard examples of teachers giving extra credit if your parent comes to open house or parent meetings, which is unfair
Transferring from out-of-state or country and not having credits accepted
Transportation is an issue, always. It’s even worse in rain and winter.
Teachers and admin ask us things that are unfeasible- “Can’t your parent bring you?” No. “Can’t your parent drop you off clothes?” No. Our parents are working all the time and can’t call out.
Solutions & Recommendations:
Training for teachers, admin, and staff to help them recognize their bias– Students can lead some of these trainings!
Analyze school policies and practices to see where bias shows up (for example, in tardy and attendance policies and practices; also in school uniform policies)
Understanding, empathy, and caring from our teachers and school culture
More teachers, admin, mental health counselors, and school staff who grew up poor or working class and understand our lives better
Culture change from one where we are punished to one where it’s understood that we have demanding family and work responsibilities outside of school and school isn’t our only priority
Financial literacy courses so we can learn how to do taxes, use a credit card, run a business, and learn how to build wealth for our families and communities
Daycare at school
More leeway and flexibility with assignments, tardiness, and absences
Trade classes to support those of us who don’t want to go to college and/or aren’t ready, so that we can
Bussing for everyone, even if you live close
Better food options