The effect of poverty on child education (K-12) in public schools: what schools and the government can do to help student achievement

Abstract

According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948), everyone has the right to pursue an education which includes children. Whether or not everyone is receiving a quality education is debatable. There are a few different school systems, such as public, charter, private, catholic, gender strict schools, magnet and even homeschooling. Children are considered to be the most vulnerable population, especially in the United States (Azzi- Lessing, 2017). When it comes to the child welfare system in the United States, the needs of children are not adequately being met. Azzi- Lessing (2017) states that the United States biggest downfall is the government’s lack of concern for poor families. The lack of intervention contributes to trauma and the deprivation of the needs and well-being of children (Azzi-Lessing, 2017). Additionally, this includes the quality of education children in public schools receive, more specifically those living in poverty...In the United States, it is considered neglect if parents or guardians keep their children from attending school. Even if parents send their children to school, children living in poverty are more likely not attending schools that are adequately educating and providing their students with the tools needed for success. A good quality of education is not always something that is seen a right and in some cases a financial burden. What is the point of children attending school if the education is not engaging and allowing students to reach their full potential? There are many families in the world that are affected by poverty but 2.2 billion children worldwide are currently living in poverty (McKinney, 2014). One of the factors that definitely affects the quality of education a child receives is poverty. There is a clear educational achievement gap between those living in poverty compared to those children not living in poverty.