pedagogy of poverty

Definition

Low-level, skills-focused teaching methods disproportionately used with poor and minority students, emphasizing rote memorization and test prep rather than critical thinking. This approach perpetuates inequality by denying disadvantaged students the enriched curriculum offered to privileged peers.

Example Usage

The school claims high test scores, but they're practicing pedagogy of poverty—just drilling facts without deeper learning.

Origin

Coined by educator Martin Haberman in 1991

Fun Fact

Research shows schools serving low-income students spend significantly more instructional time on test preparation than schools serving affluent students.

Source: Critical pedagogy and educational equity literature

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