Poverty is another barrier that has shown to have a negative effect on student academic achievement. It is likely that economic resources impact the number of students who are able to attend preschool and it is equally likely that a lack of economic resources excludes children from other educational opportunities. As you will note from the chart, one out of every three Plymouth students is impoverished, and this number may not even be reflective of the “real picture.” Plymouth families are very proud; often too proud to register for free/reduced meals, so 30% might actually be an under representation of those students who are eligible for free/reduced meals.