Conditions of poverty represent special challenges to teaching and learning SMT. Consistently and predictably, underprivileged schools and students perform less well than their peers. SMT programs have been particularly difficult to sustain since No Child Left Behind, since much more time and energy has to be put into basic literacy and arithmetic skills, leaving little for other subjects. This must not, however, be an excuse to neglect SMT programs, which are so critical for opportunity and citizenship in the modern world. Adopt a curriculum that ties elements of SMT literacy to the teaching of basic skills. Develop relationships with local industry, which can offer guidance and role models students can strive for, as well as contributions of money and equipment. Above all, insist on the relevance of SMT for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.

• What role does socio-economic status play in SMT education?
• What resources are available to help us address socio-economic issues in SMT education?
• How have other districts handled socio-economic issues in SMT education? 

What role does socio-economic status play in SMT education?

• Joan Abdallah discusses how basic math and reading skills are fundamental to successfully teaching SMT. [VIDEO]
• A report from the Education Trust highlights the prevalence of out-of-field teaching especially with respect to K-12 math education and finds that lower income children are less likely to have qualified math instruction. The report analyzes the data by state and describes what some states are doing to address the issue.

 
What resources are available to help us address socio-economic issues in SMT education?

• A project bringing SMT graduate students into middle school classrooms to increase interest in SMT, particularly among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
• A California project offering workshops on equity in science education.
• A 2001 project to improve equity in mathematics education funded by the National Science Foundation.
• Information about the publication Equity and Science Education Reform.
• The National Coalition for Equity in Education (NCEE), a coalition of early childhood through university educators, offers consulting and other resources to promote equity in all educational areas.
• The Education Trust's Web site highlights and analyzes issues relating to equity in all areas of education.

How have other districts handled socio-economic issues in SMT education?

• The District of Columbia opens a technology-oriented high school serving mostly under-privileged, minority kids.
• A Massachusetts school district establishes a math/science magnet elementary school in a low-income, largely Hispanic neighborhood.