Current Issues and Trends in Education

Current Issues and Trends In Education

Authors, Jerry Aldridge & Renitta Goldman

Chapter 2 – Changing Demographics and Diversity

Due to the changing increase in high school drop outs, poverty, special needs, and language deficiencies children are eligible for more services in the school districts. For example, free and reduced lunch programs are available in schools. An increase in school programs is needed due to the changing diversity among families and students.

To ensure the success for all students educational needs, teachers should increase their awareness on the student's needs. For example they should:

- Know the learner

- Strengthen their relationships with culturally diverse students

- Educators should continue to attend new professional development workshops on new technology strategies.

The future of our society depends on our ability to talk effectively with one another. There needs to be a mutual understanding among teachers and students. New curriculum standards and goals are needed to improve students learning abilities.

There is also a need of keeping valuable teachers in their current jobs. Teachers leave their present positions due to retirement or seeks job for increase in pay. Private schools pay scale is usually less than public schools. Stability among students and teachers also is very important.

The increase of diversity among students due to language or learning deficiencies needs to be addressed. Open communication with teachers and students promotes better learning, for the teacher can have a better understanding of their students.

I feel that special education teachers need to make the classroom teachers more aware of students with special needs. The reason for this is becauase more students are main streamed into the regular classroom setting. Also, students should learn to accept their peers strengths and weaknesses. Working together in the classroom should promote better learning and open communication.