Assignment 1: Poverty and learning
Word Limit: 1000 words Weighting: 30%
What do I have to do?
Write an essay in response to the following statement and questions:
There are “large educational achievement gaps between children from lower and higher SES backgrounds” (Boston, 2013, p.18). Identify and discuss ways in which socioeconomic status and poverty are at play in relation to learning and school achievement in New Zealand. How do these conditions affect the development of the five key competencies in children’s learning? What changes could be made in classrooms and schools to mitigate the factors and more effectively support all learners?
Boston, J. (2013) . Improving educational performance: Why tackling child poverty must be part of the solution. Paper prepared for a Symposium on ‘Poverty Impacts on Learning’ organized by Accent Learning, Karori Campus, Victoria University of Wellington, 24 May 2013 Accessed at http://igps.victoria.ac.nz/staff/team/Education%20and%20child%20poverty%20V4.pdf
What will my work be marked against?
Content

Topic is clearly defined and introduced

Factors related to socioeconomic status that affect learning (development of key competencies) and school achievement are identified and discussed
Changes to support learning for all are suggested and justified

Discussion is supported by literature from Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad (at least five scholarly references)

Presentation

Cover page and footer with your name and student number, and page numbers

Professional, respectful and sensitive language is used

Sections are clearly evident and connected

Assignment is presented in a sound academic style with accuracy of spelling and grammar

Reference list includes only literature cited in the paper

The writing is presented using consistent APA referencing conventions
