scholarly journals Teachers’ Beliefs about Poverty and the Impact on Learning Disabilities Identification in a Poor, Rural School District

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee Chandler

This qualitative case study examined a rural school district where many of the students live in poverty. The purpose of the study was to develop a deeper understanding of the learning disability (LD) identification process as implemented in a high-poverty rural setting. Analysis of the data revealed the prevalence of some stereotypical beliefs regarding poverty. In addition, the findings revealed use of a traditional, Intelligence Quotient (IQ)-Achievement discrepancy model rather than Response to Intervention (RTI). Furthermore, participants conveyed that their deliberations do not typically include the legally required consideration that other factors (such as poverty) may be the primary reason that the student is struggling. Recommendations include providing educational activities to challenge stereotypical beliefs about people living in poverty, considering socioeconomic reform in discussions about school improvement, supporting teachers in their efforts to meet the needs of all students in their classrooms, and implementing assessment methods designed to help students receive the assistance needed as early as possible.  

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Jenkins

In rural Oklahoma, the role of the superintendent is often vastly different than that of superintendents in large cities. The superintendent is the leader of the school district, which is typically the community’s largest employer. There are a few examples of superintendents who embrace this sometimes overwhelming responsibility and who are often seen as pillars of ethics, leadership and morality in the community. Dale Carter is one example of this type of superintendent. Mr. Carter has been employed by Kenawee Public Schools since 1969. During his tenure he has been a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. This case study will examine how Carter has considered community values when making decisions and how the integration of those values along with his personal and professional values have allowed him to lead a rural school district.  


2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (5S) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Madeline A. Lyon ◽  
Timothy K. Behrens ◽  
Dick Carpenter ◽  
Elizabeth Tucker ◽  
Carmen Luna ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Loveleah B. Albarillo

Reading is a problem for teachers in the Philippines. It becomes even more acute for teachers in rural areas. In Surigao del Sur (Northeastern Mindanao—Philippines), the problem is especially worrisome. I designed a study that determines the predictors of the reading skills of teachers in a rural school district. To analyze the data, I used the frequency weighted mean, Pearson Moment-Product Correlation Coefficient, and regression analysis. I also used a standardized reading test as the reading instrument. On top of that, I asked the teachers to build a personal profile with socio-demographic and pedagogical variables. I gathered the data through a questionnaire. The results confirm in Surigao del Sur what is known to be the state of reading habits of teachers in the Philippines. The quality of reading skills is low or poor. The teachers are not able to teach competently in language and reading. They have higher order skills in scanning and points of view. They have average levels of vocabulary. They use study aids infrequently. They have low levels of reading comprehension. Age is the most important predictor of reading skill. It tends to decline as teachers grow older. They read less the longer they stay in the service. It is specifically noticeable among teachers who do not exert the effort to deepen their professional studies. Teachers 40 and above need a special reading intervention. To prevent a decline in reading skill, all rural teachers ought to do graduate-level work.   Keywords - socio-demographic variables, pedagogical variables, reading skills of teachers


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