What does it mean to be poor in America’s schools? This interactive class will investigate biases about wealth and poverty, look at the strengths of low-income families, the persistence of poverty and the role of public policy in shaping children’s educational outcomes. We’ll review the literature on the cost-benefits of early education and explore the impact of low socio-economic status on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. The class includes a discussion of parent engagement in the early school years and participants will develop a personal action plan that addresses summer slide and the achievement gap. We’ll review best practices for supporting parents in their role as their child’s first teacher, and plan to help economically-stressed children thrive in the classroom.

Felicity Elworthy is the Family and Community Partnership Manager at Southern Oregon Head Start, working with the Head Start team to provide family support and parent engagement in children’s education. A graduate of the University of Wales and the University of Oxford, she has worked and taught in many different parts of the world. Josephine County has been her home since 1984.

This workshop may be taken for training hours or for college credit. Cost is $20 for 8 training hours or $55 for college credit with completion of follow-up assignments.