Final answer:
The author shows that low socioeconomic status adversely affects access to post-secondary education by highlighting challenges such as lack of resources and additional home responsibilities. The Coleman Report of 1966 is cited to emphasize the impact of family background on student performance and future economic opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connection Between Socioeconomic Status and Post-secondary Education Access
The author draws a connection between low socioeconomic status and access to post-secondary education by illustrating the challenges faced by students from less affluent backgrounds. This encompasses a lack of resources, such as technology and academic support, as well as additional responsibilities that detract from their educational pursuits. The fulfillment of education is often determined by the circumstances under which a child grows up, with those from low-income households facing significant barriers to achieving educational milestones. For instance, the lack of home technology and poor study environments impose constraints on the student's ability to complete assignments and progress academically.
In addition to personal anecdotes, the text references the Coleman Report of 1966 which uncovered the relationship between socioeconomic status, family background, and student performance. This report continues to be relevant, highlighting the ongoing divide in the performance of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. These disparities extend beyond simple academic achievement to affect long-term economic outcomes and the ability to climb the Ladder of Opportunity.
It is evident that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds encounter numerous obstacles that can hinder their education journey and ultimately their access to post-secondary education. Measures such as early childhood education improvements and greater technological accessibility are necessary to help bridge the gap and ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have the opportunity for academic success and economic mobility.