This course presents students with the opportunity to examine the effects of rural poverty on the education of young people growing up in this environment. Readings will include “The Glass Castle: A Memoir” by Jeannette Walls, as well as, a number of scholarly articles which will explore rural poverty and its impact on education in rural America. Readings, class discussions, and assignments will challenge students to examine their current beliefs regarding rural poverty, integrate new knowledge, and develop a deeper, more complete world-view, as a result. Additionally, students will mentor an at-risk third through fifth grader who attends a rural elementary school with a high population of children living in poverty. Mentoring will focus on building a positive relationship between mentor and mentee with a goal of increasing the elementary students’ academic success.
