Hidden Rules Poverty Series II

Hidden Rules Poverty Series II

Presented by: Elizabeth Serrano Senior Director of Teaching and Learning

Agenda

• Understanding Ruby Payne’s Framework
• Hidden rules of economic classes
• How these impact student behavior and learning
• Strategies for Classroom Success
• Building Empathy in the Classroom
• Resources & Next Steps
• Tools and references for continued learning
• Q&A / Discussion

Ruby Payne's Framework on Poverty

Focuses on understanding the hidden rules of economic classes

Helps educators better connect with students from poverty

Stresses the importance of relationships, resources, and role models

Hidden Rules of Economic Classes

Poverty: Emphasis on survival, relationships, and entertainment

Middle Class: Focus on achievement, work, and material security

Wealth: Orientation towards connections, legacy, and financial stability

Implications for Educators

Recognize and respect the values and norms students bring from home

Recognize and respect

Build meaningful relationships to foster student engagement

Build

Teach and model

Teach and model the hidden rules of school and workplace success

Provide clear expectations and consistent structure

Strategies for Classroom Success

Use stories and analogies to bridge understanding

Empower students by teaching code-switching skills

Post daily agendas and learning targets

Clear Expectations and Consistent Structure

Use consistent routines and transitions

Reinforce expectations with visual aids and verbal cues

Use Stories and Analogies

Make abstract ideas concrete and relatable

Use culturally relevant stories and examples

Invite students to share personal analogies

Empower with Code-Switching Skills

Teach when and how to shift language/register

Teach

Role-play

Role-play real-world scenarios

Frame

Frame it as a strength, not a deficit

Additional Strategies for Success

Offer choices to foster autonomy

Use positive reinforcement and relationship building

Incorporate visual schedules and behavior cues

Understanding Personal Perspective Filters

• Everyone views the world through personal filters shaped by experiences
• Filters include culture, upbringing, values, and socioeconomic status
• These filters influence how we interpret words, tone, and behavior

Students’ actions may be misread due to differing perspectives

Filters and Misinterpretation

Educators might interpret assertiveness as defiance

Miscommunication can escalate into conflict unnecessarily

• Discipline may be unequally applied due to implicit bias
• Students from poverty may face harsher consequences
• Reflective practices help reduce over-disciplining

Impact on Discipline Practices

Strategies to Recognize Filters

Practice cultural humility and active listening

Use reflection before responding to behaviors

Engage in peer discussions to examine perspectives

Building Empathy and Equity in Classrooms

Foster understanding of diverse student backgrounds

Promote empathy in teacher-student interactions

Strive for consistent, fair, and compassionate discipline

1. Foster Student Voice and Choice

Allow students to express their thoughts and feelings

Include student perspectives in classroom decisions

Validate experiences and emotions through active listening

Show understanding when students struggle or make mistakes

2. Model Empathy in Daily Interactions

Share personal stories of resilience and learning

Respond with curiosity instead of judgment

Ensure representation of diverse cultures in materials

3. Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment

Implement restorative practices over punitive responses

Promote peer connection through collaborative activities

This powerful short animation shows how empathy differs from sympathy and why it matters in real-world relationships.

Empathy in Action: Watch This Video

▶ Brené Brown on Empathy –

ODD often stems from trauma, stress, or unmet needs

Understanding Oppositional Defiant Behavior

Behavior is a form of communication—not defiance for its own sake

Students may struggle with authority, transitions, or emotional regulation

Empathy-Based Approaches to ODD

Stay calm and non-reactive during escalations

Use empathetic listening to uncover the student’s underlying needs

Avoid power struggles—offer choices and collaborative problem-solving

Building Positive Relationships with Challenging Students

Build trust through consistency and care

Celebrate small successes and progress

Create rituals and routines that promote safety and connection

Examples of Daily Rituals to Build Community

Song or Chant – Use music and movement for unity

Morning Circle Time – Greet, share feelings, and connect

Group Reflection – Discuss learnings and gratitude at day’s end

Compliment or Gratitude Circle – Promote kindness and positivity

Celebrating Achievements – Recognize progress and success

How to Incorporate Rituals into Your Daily Routine (Part 1)

Start Small – Introduce one or two rituals at a time

Be Consistent – Make rituals part of your daily routine

How to Incorporate Rituals into Your Daily Routine (Part 2)

• Involve Children in the Ritual – Let students help lead

• Be Flexible – Adapt rituals to meet classroom energy and needs

The Respect Stations Relay

There are 4–6 stations, each focused on a key aspect of respect or student engagement (e.g., empathy, praise, expectations). Group Discussion (5–7 min) As a group, discuss the topic: Share personal experiences Brainstorm strategies Exchange ideas for your classroom Write It Down (2–3 min) Choose a scribe to write down your group’s best ideas or success stories on a sticky note or paper. Assign a speaker to share highlights if needed. Post Your Ideas Place your sticky note or paper on the station table or chart paper before rotating to the next station.

Resources for Educators

• Ruby Payne – 'A Framework for Understanding Poverty'
• Brené Brown – 'The Power of Vulnerability' (TED Talk)
• CASEL – Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (casel.org)
• Conscious Discipline – Emotional intelligence and classroom management strategies
• Responsive Classroom – Evidence-based approach to teaching and discipline

Exit Survey