Poverty: a framework for understanding and working with students and adults from poverty.

1. Poverty is relative. 2. Poverty occurs in all races and countries. 3. Economic class is a continuous line, not a clear-cut distinction. 4. Generational poverty and situational poverty are different. 5. This work is based on patterns. All patterns have exceptions. 6. People bring with them the hidden rules of the class in which they were raised. 7. Schools and businesses operate from middle class norms and hidden rules. 8. We must understand our students’ hidden rules and teach them the rules that will make them successful at home and work. 9. We must teach students with support, insistence, and expectations. 10. To “move up” in the class structure, people must give up relationships for achievement. 11. Two things that help one move out of poverty are education and relationships. 12. Four reasons one leaves poverty are: It’s too painful to stay, a vision or goal, a key relationship, or a special talent or skill.