Students who feel stupid because they're Title I eligible :-(

Unfortunately, some students may have had bad experiences with Title I in previous years or see the program as something only for dumb students. Joanne and Jennifer gave some suggestions.

•  " I don't work with dumb kids. If your teachers didn't think you could come and get something out of this, they wouldn't let you come.
• "Do your parents have lots of money? Do think they would rather hire a tutor at home or get free help at school?"
• When giving the pretest to see if they're eligible, you don't have to say anything about how the scores will be used. "Mrs., did I pass?" "You qualified!" Sometimes they'll feel really proud of themselves after hearing that!
• You don't even have to specifically mention Title I.
• Joanne's anecdote:
• I am lousy at free throws on the basketball court.  If you take me out to the court my air balls might not even reach the rim.  I know I stink at it; so I don’t want to go near the basketball court for fear people will make fun of me. That means I never practice, and without practice I certainly won’t get better. However, if you take me to a gym and work with me, supporting my gains and not making fun of my mistakes I will practice and I will improve.  I may never be Kobe Bryant but I will get better. That will make me feel better about trying, so I’ll get out on the court more often, practice more and maybe get even better.  But one thing I know for sure – if I never get help and practice, I will never get any better.