Poverty in Schools

Strategies to improve the lives of families in poverty and improve your students' academic achievements.
In this Section

Our online EDUC 640 Poverty in Schools course will show you ways to improve the lives of families in poverty and improve your students' academic achievements.

Register now to reserve a spot.
There is no registration or application fee.

Our Poverty in Schools course includes how to:

  • Work with young people and their families living in poverty.
  • Stimulate parent involvement and develop mentoring programs and community partnerships.
  • Measure results with data-based intervention.
  • Build strategies and critical steps for transforming high-poverty rural and urban schools.

We’ll discuss the characteristics and issues facing at-risk students because of economically disadvantaged backgrounds. You’ll learn the traits of high-performing high-poverty schools with an emphasis on strategies to reduce the achievement gap and build community partnerships.

We invite you to enroll in our Poverty in Schools course to meet your professional development goals if you need a license renewal, graduate credits, or just a refresher course.

If you need a copy of the syllabus for your employer to approve enrollment in the class, email: Online Professional Development,

This course is an approved elective in the Master of Science in Education online degree program. 

Online Course
2 semester hours of graduate credit

Fall:  September 18 – October 27, 2023
Tuition: $476 per semester hour graduate credit ($952 for a two-credit course)
Fall Tuition Due:  October 11, 2023

Spring:  March 18 - April 26, 2024
Tuition: $476 per semester hour graduate credit ($952 for a two-credit course)
Spring Tuition Due:  February 28, 2024

Our online Poverty in Schools course allows you to complete your weekly assignments as they best fit your schedule. All discussion postings and projects are submitted online.

Our Students Say

"The assignments were eye-opening. This course offered a wealth of information to increase my awareness of the circumstances surrounding individuals living in poverty."

“The strategies were so relevant to my classroom and our community and  the work we are doing as educators."

"I wish that all individuals working in human service-related fields were required to take this course.  The knowledge I gained is invaluable for my profession as well as my personal growth. GREAT COURSE!"

"All information is current, and the materials used showed different viewpoints and perspectives. The instructor was very knowledgeable about the subject matter and encouraged discussions to promote critical thinking."

Our students include:

  • Elementary, middle school, and high school educators
  • Special education teachers
  • School counselors
  • School administrators
  • Support staff
  • Individuals working with incarcerated youth outside of traditional K-12 education
  • Individuals working with families in poverty in all settings including church programs, community social services, volunteer organizations
  • Higher education instructors and staff

 

How do I register?

Complete the Online Registration Form.

UW-Stout reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet minimum enrollment requirements.

If you need a copy of the syllabus for your employer to approve enrollment in the class, email: Online Professional Development.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy

e-Textbooks

E-textbooks will be provided when you log in to the course.

Gorski, P. C. (2018). Reaching and teaching students in poverty: Strategies for erasing the opportunity gap (Multicultural Education Series)
(2nd. ed.). Teachers College Press. ISBN: 978-0807758793

Jensen, E. (2009). Teaching with poverty in mind: What being poor does to kids' brains and what schools can do about it. Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development. ISBN: 978-1416608844

If you prefer to read hard copies of the textbooks, instead of reading via your computer or tablet, you may purchase the books.