Behavior Advisor Learning Modules:

Understanding, Reaching, & Teaching Students from Areas of Poverty

The risk for failure in school and life is heightened when children are born into households in areas of persistent poverty. Students from low socio-economic status areas are likely to cross the threshold of the schoolhouse with a behavioral code and value system that is a "bad fit" with the middle class environment found inside. This contrary orientation is especially evident in areas of multi-generational poverty.

This module addresses the motivational, behavioral, emotional, and social effects living in areas of long term poverty. By becoming familiar with the unwritten and "hidden" rules of this micro-culture, teachers (and others) become more aware of the differences and how to address them. The now-informed educators are able to gain the respect and cooperation of their students, while instilling values and behaviors that will benefit the youngsters in school and tomorrow's workplace.

This BehaviorAdvisor learning module contains audio and video podcasts, readings, and internet-based learning for the participants to study. During their online investigation, participants create a packet of materials in which they have applied the information to demonstrate awareness of the micro-cultural differences, and competence in relating to and teaching learners from poor households.

This module provides crucial information and recommended practices for those who work in schools serving poverty areas. Participants apply the information found in readings and videos to their classroom situation, creating a document that evidences their learning (for submission at the follow-up session). The participants gather together for a workshop led by a district representative. A highly animated powerpoint slide show (with a script for the presenter) and materials for session activities are provided for the leader's use.

This module contains everything you need to conduct an interesting, informative, and rigorous staff training event.

You have access to two different sets of materials (codes are sent in an e-mail note that follows your purchase):
1. Material for staff to review and address prior to a large group gathering
2. Material for the session leader of the large group gathering.

Send the participant materials to those who will be engaged in the training. Be sure to tell them how long they can take to complete the assignments, and provide them with the date, time, and place of the in-person gathering (follow-up session).

The pre-session study by the participants can be accomplished in couple of ways:
1. For 3 hours at computers in the school before attending the 3 hour group session if the module must be completed in one day at the work site.
2. For one to two weeks previous to the meeting, at their own pace, before attendance at the 3-4 hour follow-up session.

The first slide of the powerpoint show tells the session leader the things that are needed for the group presentation that follows the online study of material. The script for the powerpoint show, and the directions for the session activities, are found in the "notes" section under each slide.

While the module is ready to go in its present form, feel free to change the content, requirements, and other aspects in order to better meet the needs of your staff, and the circumstances of your setting. Add readings, modify assignments, or make changes to the powerpoint slide show. This module will belong to you soon, so modify it as you see fit.

Developed and extensively tested by Dr. Mac, BUT NOT YET available for use in your school. Get on the B-List for updates.