Join other teachers for teacher-led inquiry on the role of economic barriers in preventing students from gaining access to the education they need.
Participants will learn from each other about the role of poverty and economic policy in determining access to education, with an emphasis on public education in Northern British Columbia.
We’ll share ideas and reflect on poverty’s affect on the students in our schools and classrooms. We’ll also examine how myths about poverty contribute to barriers for children and families. Our discussions will identify connections between education, poverty, self-determination, and economic and cultural empowerment. We’ll explore how inadequate and unfairly distributed public programs and resources contribute to poverty and what we, as teachers, can do to help fix this.
We will also share ideas for alternatives, based on what’s already happening in communities and schools or on possibilities that can build on the strengths of our communities – with an emphasis on the role of good governance, universal programs, transparency and accountability for decision makers (at all levels), and supporting families and students with community-based approaches.
Questions to help guide the inquiry:
- What economic barriers do students face? What are the developmental and economic impacts of these barriers for our communities?
- How does poverty affect the provision of universally accessible education for all students?
- How we can work together to overcome the impacts and barriers that are related to poverty?
- How does poverty intersect with colonialism and other forms of marginalization?
- How can we apply a better understanding of the economic conditions and structures to improve access to education for all students?
Tentative Details:
- What: Regional Conference on Democracy, Education, and the Economy – Overcoming Economic Barriers in Education
- When: Friday May 20, 2022 (9:00-3:00, with catered breakfast from 8:30-9:00 and catered lunch from 12:00-1:00)
- Where: Location TBD (venue TBD)
- Cost: $50-$75 (TBD) (registration will include catered breakfast and lunch)
- How to Register: Registration opens in September 2021. Email kertes@criticaleducationproject.ca to learn more or to pre-register. You can also call/text 778-884-5343.
The Critical Education Project is facilitated by Tom Kertes. Learn more about Tom here.