Part IV- 'Poverty and Potential'

One of the six 'Out of School Factors' which affects student success in the classroom deals with children who are born pre-natal or at a low birth weight. What we know is this; those babies born at a 'low birth weight' have more cognitive and behaviorial problems than those born at a normal birth weight.

Quite obviously, these problems will impact student learning in a negative way. Another effect of cognition and behaviorial problems centers on the very real need for schools to find accommodations for such problems.

The Berliner study came up with some interesting facts concerning groups who have the lowest birth weights and are, therefore, more likely to encounter the greatest chance of developing cognitive and behaviorial deficiencies.

Low birth weight refers to babies who are born between the weight of 3 lbs., 5 oz. and 5 lbs., 8 oz. By the way, there are other categories of weight classification, those born who are 'very low,' others 'extremely low,' and children born at a high birth weight.

Let's look at one group, children born at a 'low birth weight.' 8.3% of all children born are classified in this category. 7% of both white and hispanic children are born at the 'low birth weight.' 14% of black children fall into this category.

As you can see, twice as many black children are born at a 'low birth weight' which means they are more prone to the behaviorial and cognitive problems I alluded to earlier in this piece.

This 'OSF' factor puts a strain on the children, families and schools and necessitates that children who are born at a 'low birth weight' will need extra help, aid and resources.

The above is but one of many reasons why Schools Count Corp helps many inner city children.

Dick