Rich Brain, Poor Brain: Bridging Social and Synaptic Gaps in Schools

by Linda Karges-Bone

What does it mean to be a wealthy, or “rich,” school? What makes a school “poor”? Is it only about money? Rich Brain, Poor Brain explores the differences that separate students’ opportunities for success. Dr. Bone discusses the research on threats of poverty, the ways poverty shapes brains and behaviors, and ways to change these outcomes for students. LEAP across social and synaptic gaps posed by poverty with strategies across four broad Language, Experiences, Attitudes, and Performance.

108 pages, Paperback

Published January 13, 2016

Reviews

[Gabrielle Soriano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very rich resource that has consolidated the bits and pieces of facts and solutions I find online or on books about meeting the "opportunity/achievement gap" between children from low-income families and those from high-income families. Having come from the Philippines, I can't help but fear for the future of the Filipino children given that the education system is declining and future jobs require complex skills. Sad to say, but public schools and even most private schools in our country are operating as a "poor-brain" school. I know this cannot just be said but needs to be investigated. Nevertheless, as a concerned mother and a normal citizen, I hope to be able to share about this book so we can on our own affect the communities we live in, since we cannot rely solely on the government.

[Jim Gianotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening research that can benefit the teacher's of at risk students. Great suggestions for how to build skills in staff and students.