childrensdefensefunddiscusionessay
How are cultural values, special interests, and economic conditions reflected in public policies for children?
Poverty rate in Minnesota has dropped, however families are still struggling. According to the latest figures from the US Census Bureau, the poverty level dipped to 11.2 percent while the rate for children is 14 percent. The state did take a step in addressing this issue with approval of the increase of minimum wage to $9.50 per hour by 2016. Minnesota is also currently helping the $6,000 families that are on the state’s waiting list for assistance for basic child care. Recently, the state approved the funding for $4 million dollars for scholarships for high quality pre-k for low income families.
Do you think that these policies reflect current research in the field of child development? I think that poverty has a very real effect on a child’s capacity to learn. We will never solve poverty until we can guarantee a great education for all of our children. If they lack insurance, a child with a toothache or untreated illness will struggle to focus in the classroom. A child who is homeless will also face the same problem. Poverty effects go beyond the classroom. The job that supports the family may take away time from homework and other after school activities. Computers and internet connections cost money and is starting to become more of a requirement for homework and research papers; may only happen at school or at a public library; providing the parent has the time and/or transportation. Most parents are left exhausted by working or school at night and are unavailable to help with homework. Even if they are able to have the time, their own education may prove inadequate for the higher level of education children today are now bringing home. Meanwhile, low income tends to mean low property value; which means less local school support. As a result, the most motivated student may find themselves at an under resourced school.
How large is the gap between
Poverty rate in Minnesota has dropped, however families are still struggling. According to the latest figures from the US Census Bureau, the poverty level dipped to 11.2 percent while the rate for children is 14 percent. The state did take a step in addressing this issue with approval of the increase of minimum wage to $9.50 per hour by 2016. Minnesota is also currently helping the $6,000 families that are on the state’s waiting list for assistance for basic child care. Recently, the state approved the funding for $4 million dollars for scholarships for high quality pre-k for low income families.
Do you think that these policies reflect current research in the field of child development? I think that poverty has a very real effect on a child’s capacity to learn. We will never solve poverty until we can guarantee a great education for all of our children. If they lack insurance, a child with a toothache or untreated illness will struggle to focus in the classroom. A child who is homeless will also face the same problem. Poverty effects go beyond the classroom. The job that supports the family may take away time from homework and other after school activities. Computers and internet connections cost money and is starting to become more of a requirement for homework and research papers; may only happen at school or at a public library; providing the parent has the time and/or transportation. Most parents are left exhausted by working or school at night and are unavailable to help with homework. Even if they are able to have the time, their own education may prove inadequate for the higher level of education children today are now bringing home. Meanwhile, low income tends to mean low property value; which means less local school support. As a result, the most motivated student may find themselves at an under resourced school.
How large is the gap between