- 82% of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch
- 11% are English language learners
- 61% are Hispanic
- 17% are White
- 15% are African American
- 6% are Asian
- 1% are Native American
In the classroom I tutor in, there isn't a dominate race. 10 out of the 12 students get breakfast from the school. They all know English, but I'm not sure if some of them speak other languages.
I was confused with the term cultural capital but I think that these kids come from homes where there parents are not well educated and don't have much interest in their children's education. For instance there is a new boy in the class and his mom brought him in on a chilly rainy day wearing no jacket and he didn't have a backpack. When the teacher asked her where all his stuff was, the mom gave her an attitude and left the room. I think that if the parents were to become more involved with their children's schools and education then it benefit not only the children themselves but also the communities around them. The children could really succeed if the parents were to simply support the children and encourage them in their school work.
This is a great term: "cultural capital!" Let's talk about this in class...I, as well as much of the research in the field, agree that parent's involvement is essential to a child's progress and motivation in their own education. Many parents may not themselves be educated, they also may be really so concerned and involved with working many jobs, and struggling to acquire the resources for their families that they cannot afford the energy and time for much more. The language may also be a barrier for many of them who would like to but have a hard time helping their child (61% Hispanics in your school).
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