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1.2 Reading and/or Writing Deficiency

Individuals in this group experience sufficient difficulty with reading and writing in English to the extent that their capacity to learn the vocational education subject matter is reduced significantly to, the point that they do not substantially comprehend the course material.

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1.3 Computational Deficiency

These individuals have an educational background in mathematics which is not adequate to perform computation activities at the level required by the vocational education program.

2.0 Economically Disadvantaged

Individuals in this category are not succeeding or cannot succeed in a regular vocational education program for one or more reasons as described above pertaining to academic and vocational performance: the individual or his/her parents or guardian is a public assistance recipient, family income is at or below poverty level, unemployed, or the individual is institutionalized.

It is more difficult to pinpoint the effects of poverty which do not relate or affect the academic performance on a person's ability to succeed.

One effect may be on attitudes, motivation or behavior which would reflect on a student's ability to succeed in a program, and therefore, reduce chances of subsequent employment. An expenditure for the services of a special counselor to work with such students would be beneficial. Special preservice and inservice training for teaching and support personnel could also help to enable the staff to cope with students whose economic circumstances have hindered their educational progress.

Obviously, the school system cannot solve the financial problems of those in a low income category. Circumstances do arise when students or potential students cannot attend class because they do not have proper clothing or food, or the means of transportation to get there. Several possibilities suggest themselves, such as contact with welfare and social agencies and special transportation arrangements.

Under no circumstances can Federal VEA funds be used to provide food, lodging, medical and dental services or other items such as clothing which students may need, but which are not directly related to the provision of vocational education. Provision of such services should be made through arrangements with other agencies.

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Groups of Individuals Most Likely to Show Effects of Disadvantages

Chapter 4

The only basis for identifying students as disadvantaged is their inability to succeed in a regular vocational education program without supportive services or special programs designed to meet their unique learning needs and who are not identified and being served as handicapped.

Further, each should be identified as an individual who cannot succeed rather than as a member of a particular group of people. With this in mind, the following groups are listed only as guidance to identify the individuals who are most likely to have some effect of academic or economic disadvantages:

● Persons, regardless of age, with poor educational background Semiskilled and unskilled workers receiving less than poverty level incomes

• Persons in correctional institutions or in institutions for neglected children

• Members of groups who have been discriminated against because of race, color, sex, age, national origin

• Persons who have been isolated from cultural, educational and/or employment experiences

• Persons who, because of a combination of environmental, cultural and historical factors, lack motivation or the necessary attitude for obtaining an education or a job skill

• Persons who are dependent upon social services to meet their basic needs

• Unwed mothers or teenage parents

Disadvantaged persons may be found in disproportionate numbers in geographical locations which have been identified as "target" areas. Examples of areas in which a high percentage of disadvantaged individuals may be found are:

Economically depressed communities (low-income areas)
Areas of high youth unemployment

Public housing developments

Urban renewal areas

Rurally isolated poverty areas

Mexican-American barrios

Puerto Rican enclaves

American Indian reservations

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