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From my work teaching I am very skeptical of the notion that it is a family's ability to "afford" books that makes the difference. It is whether the family know
by sopooneo 14y ago
From my work teaching I am very skeptical of the notion that it is a family's ability to "afford" books that makes the difference. It is whether the family knows that books are important and chooses to get them and read with their children. While monetary poverty is horrible, it's effect on educational outcome is dwarfed in comparison to cultural dysfunction and despair.
- w1ntermute 14y agoYeah, the monetary poverty theory doesn't hold up when it comes to the case of poor Asian (or African) immigrants. Although it certainly plays some role when all other things are equal, I think the major issue to be tackled is the glorification of thug life and demonization of education in contemporary African American culture.
- roguecoder 14y agoSorry, that was unclear: the study I was thinking of specifically looked at giving poor families children's books and founded a measurable improvement in English skills. Of course access to a library that is open when a parent doesn't have to work, the time and energy to read to children and many other factors also play a role in early exposure to literacy.