Things to think about…
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Poverty
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Poverty occurs in all races and in all countries.

Economic class is a continuous line, not a clear cut
distinction
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Generational poverty v. situational poverty
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Ruby’s work is based on patterns, and there are exceptions
Continued

We all act in accordance with the hidden rules of our social
class
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Most organizations operate from middle-calls norms and
contain the hidden rules of the middle class

For students to be successful they must understand the
hidden rules of school…if they don’t know them, we must
teach them.
Continued

We can’t punish or ignore children that do not know the
rules…we must provide support, assistance and
expectations

One gives up a great deal when moving to another class.
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Education and relationship assist on in moving through the
classes.

Reasons people leave poverty; it is too painful to stay,
vision/goal, key relationships, special talent
Definition of Poverty

The extent to which an individual does without resources

Resources
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Financial Support Systems
Emotional Relationships/Role Model
Mental Knowledge of Hidden Rule
Spiritual
Physical
Hidden Rules/Mental
Models

The assumption is that everyone knows what you know.

We see the world and react to situations through our own
mental models but we really do not realize this fact.

Hidden rules govern how we assess another individual and
his/her capabilities.
Hidden Rules, Poverty Quiz.
Can you Survive?

Do you know what churches have the best rummage sales?

Do you know which stores’ garbage bins can be accessed for
thrown away food?

Do you know who to get someone out of jail?

Can you physically fight and defend yourself?
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Do you know how to keep your clothes from being stolen at
the laundry mat?

Could you live without a checking account? Electricity?
Phone? Car?
Hidden Rules of Middle
Class Quiz

Do your children know the best name brands of clothing?

Do you know how to order in a nice restaurant?

Can you use a credit car? Checking account? Savings
account?

Do you know how to help your children with homework?
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Do you decorate your house for different holidays?
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Do you talk to your children about going to college?
Hidden Rules of Wealth
Quiz

Do you have several favorite restaurants in different countries
around the world?

Do you have two residences that are staffed and maintained?

Do you fly in your own plane, the company plane or the Concord?

Are you on the board of at least two charities?
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Do you know the hidden rules of the Junior League?

Can you read a corporate financial statement and analyze your
own financial statements?
What must we understand
about the concept of hidden
rules?

To ensure that expectations do not differ from student to
student

To teach students the hidden rules of middle class to
mastery

To be able to work within a family’s rules when exploring
solutions to problems/no imposing MC rules

To lessen frustration levels
Additional Resources

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COHyyBVhKyI&featu
re=related
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http://www.search-institute.org/content/what-aredevelopmental-assets