Key Differences Caused by Socioeconomics (04:15)

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Eric Jensen and Title I teachers discuss the importance of engagement. Poor children have fewer stable relationships, they may lack hope, have smaller vocabularies, their cognitive function can be suppressed, they often have poorer health and nutrition, and may experience chronic stress or distress.

Georgetown East Elementary School (03:06)

A Title I school in Maryland has been using Jensen's strategies for the last year. During a professional development meeting, teachers discuss engaging students with poverty in mind. Chronic stress impairs cognitive function and creates coping strategies that affect student behavior.

Pillars of High Expectations (03:40)

Principal Andre Dillard and teachers greets students as soon as they arrive; he wants to create a safe environment. Fourth grade teacher Michelle Ballenger explains her strategies for engaging students and building positive relationships.

Making Learning Fun (05:56)

Ballenger uses specific feedback that relates to learning goals and student progress. She uses physical activity to re-energize students between activities.

Setting High Expectations (07:02)

Kindergarten teacher Amanda Fields incorporates music, movement, and games to engage students. Physical activity gives students a kinesthetic connection to learning.

Positive Reinforcement to Combat Chronic Stress (09:43)

Fifth grade teacher Cindy Payne teaches math during her morning session. She uses a multi-step process to get students ready for learning, starting with a low risk, working memory math game. She changes student attitudes through her own behavior.

Collaboration at Blackburn Elementary School (04:38)

Principal Kathy Redmond describes the daily challenges students face. During a professional development meeting, teachers discuss and define rigorous instruction. Redmond has incorporated Jensen's strategies school wide.

Fish Philosophy (08:37)

Blackburn Elementary builds school culture and encourages positive attitudes using a strategy inspired by workers at the Seattle Fish Market; be there, make their day, choose your attitude, and play. Third grade teachers engage students using an in-depth, authentic project about the Titanic.

Turn and Talk (04:00)

Third grade students in Kayla Cerquozzi and Katie Wilkings' classes make inferences about Titanic suitcases. Students work in groups on a reading and writing lesson.

Neurogenesis (02:39)

Physical education teacher Austin Cleveland builds relationships and cognitive capacity through exercise. He uses three positive comments for every one negative comment.

Benefits of Memory Games (06:00)

Teachers at Blackburn Elementary School incorporate working memory activities into instruction every day. Connecting lessons to movement or music helps students learn.

Credits: Engaging Students With Poverty in Mind: Elementary School (00:46)

Credits: Engaging Students With Poverty in Mind: Elementary School