How Poverty and Stress Influence Students' Behavior

Educators must be especially conscious of using compassionate discipline with students living in poverty. Imagine the stresses felt while growing up poor--insecurity about the basics, living in unsafe conditions, perhaps having untreated health conditions or a parent in jail. Research shows that living in poverty can produce changes in the human brain--from decision making to empathy. As an educational consultant who helps schools apply neuroscience findings, the author shares why it is crucial that teachers understand how poverty can affect the brain. Caring teachers can help reduce or reverse the harmful neurological effects of poverty. This article discusses three ways to strengthen low-income students' natural capacity for self-control, social behavior, and empathy: (1) Forge a positive social climate; (2) Teach social skills; and (3) Increase empathy.