We have identified that low-income communities and schools often score lower on tests and are in need for a more intensive education than middle and higher income areas. These students often lack support and help from home.
Although the problem has been discussed and written about and well established among most of our education systems, are we addressing the issue? A recent study in Texas says “no”.
The study compared teacher salaries in the state’s ten biggest districts. It was found that teachers at needier schools where students were struggling received lower pay. Teachers in Texas, like many states, receive pay based on the number of years of service and experience.
Veteran, more experienced teachers were not found at the schools that needed them most. The students that require that most intense and in depth education were being taught by first and second year teachers.
While there is nothing wrong with a class being taught by a new teacher, we all know that teachers in their first year are still learning. They have not developed a style. They are still adjusting and perfecting their methods.
The students at the needier schools were receiving the weakest of the teachers. By the time that the teachers at these schools increase their knowledge and experience in teaching, they often leave for more pay and more desirable environments. More new teachers then fill their positions and the cycle begins over again.
In the beginning teachers take any job that is offered. After a few years of practice, they then transfer to a school of their choice and they remain there for the rest of their career. The school of choice is usually not a poverty, low-income school. Some educators in Texas suggest that the only way to keep experienced teachers at these schools is to offer them more pay. Teachers at poverty schools deserve more pay than teachers at other schools because it is harder to work at low-income schools where teachers receive little parental support.
Texas is far from being the only state to experience these same circumstances. Until each state examines its schools and take action, students at poverty, low-income schools will remain to lag behind.
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