Boys in Poverty: A Framework for Understanding Dropout

by Ruby K. Payne, Paul D. Slocumb

Winner-Association of Educational Publishers 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award Finalist-ForeWord Reviews 2010 Book of the Year Award Boys in Poverty examines the relationship between poverty and dropout among males by examining a wide range of risk factors, including the absence of role models; the trauma of violence and abuse; peer pressures; issues of belonging and not belonging; culturally driven expectations that boys should work rather than finish school, and cognitive and developmental issues that affect boys learning. In addition, the authors look at community and school system factors, such as poor teachers, unfair or punitive discipline policies, and the absence of differentiated instruction. The book structures these issues into four strands, or categories, of development physical, emotional, cognitive, and social, examining how each is exacerbated by poverty. Additional chapters explore the special problems of sensitive, gay, gifted, and ADHD boys and issues of post-adolescent males beyond high school age. Within each of these areas of development, the authors offer concrete suggestions for keeping boys engaged with school and the learning process.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

141 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

About the author

Ruby K. Payne is an American educator and author best known for her book A Framework for Understanding Poverty and her work on the culture of poverty and its relation to education. Payne received an undergraduate degree from Goshen College in 1972. She holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University in Illinois, and is the founder of aha! Process, Inc., a company that informs schools, companies and other organizations about poverty.

Reviews

[Lahars_little_library · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Dr. Payne's A Framework for Understanding Poverty. Unfortunately, this book on boys, poverty, and drop out lacks the engagement that her masterwork holds. Also, with most of the research cited in the early 2000s it felt outdated especially on the topics of technology, and gender roles.

[Abigail H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will need a few more months to promise. Check back later.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by my friend who teaches first and second grade. From a review: "Boys in Poverty examines the relationship between poverty and dropout among males by examining a wide range of risk factors, including the absence of role models; the trauma of violence and abuse; peer pressures; issues of belonging and not belonging; culturally driven expectations that boys should work rather than finish school, and cognitive and developmental issues that affect boys learning. In addition, the authors look at community and school system factors, such as poor teachers, unfair or punitive discipline policies, and the absence of differentiated instruction."
I would recommend this book to ALL parents of boys - it explains so much about the strengths and challenges that are unique to boys and gives invaluable information that will help us raise thoughtful, successful and compassionate young men.

[Kim]

Book club read for school

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

super.