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The information in this document has enlightened and educated me on several issues that are related to self-sufficiency as it relates to the real cost of living in 2008. It is of no surprise that my professor in a graduate course, “Education in the Inner City”, assigned this as a reading assignment. There are myriad of challenging economic issues that have an impact on education within the inner city. Also, there are inadequacies with how the federal poverty level is measured. The teachers in the urban, suburban and rural schools need to be aware of federal programs that can aid soci-economically challenged families.
This document details some startling information as to what constitutes a family or person, to be designated as economically deprived. It makes a comparative analysis on the local, state and national level. Charts and graphs delineate annual incomes and hourly wages to represent that which is considered sufficient or insufficient (Federal Poverty Level-FPL). There are charts that illustrate the national average of pay for various occupations at different levels, professional and non-professional.
As I began to read and think critically about the information, it became apparent that it is imperative to be knowledgeable about financial issues relative to the cost of living in New Jersey. Some families who need assistance may not be aware of the various programs available to them. People who are struggling to sustain their daily living are often times occupied with mundane issues just to stay above board. They tend to look for answers from professionals such as teachers.
There are arguably many inadequacies with how the FPL is determined, however I think that is for a separate lengthy discussion of its own. For instance, there are antiquated metrics used to make decisions as to who may be eligible for federal assistance. It doesn’t take much intelligence to understand that metrics which were adequate four decades ago surely are not today. Costs associated with housing and childcare varies significantly by state, county, and national levels. These are essential cost incurred by most families, and there has to be some amendments made to account for these disparities.
I will urge any professional educators to acquaint themselves with the information in this document. I feel that it is incumbent upon me to be aware these issues, which enables me to have an understanding about the dynamics of living standards throughout the state. As a teacher in an urban school, it is feasible that I may be confronted with some of these issues and will be in a position to help some families.
Some of the students we teach could conceivably be in a position to enact legislation enabling the revision of current federal standards that will better serve future generations.
