Diversity in Society and Schools Chapter 7

Diversity in Schools Socioeconomic Status Race and Ethnicity Language Gender Sexual Orientation Exceptionalities Religion Multicultural Education

Socioeconomic Status The way students and their families live is greatly affected by their socioeconomic status, which is determined by income, wealth, occupation, and educational attainment. The population is socially stratified, providing some groups more advantage and prestige than others in society and schools. On achievement tests students from higher income families almost always score higher than middle- and low-income peers.

Race and Ethnicity As a result of immigration the United States is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Race is not scientifically accepted for classifying people, however it is a social construct that continues to be used to sort people in the US. Ethnicity is determined by the national origin of one’s ancestors. Disparities exist in the academic achievement of students from different racial and ethnic groups.

Language Nearly one in five residents of the United States speaks a language other than English at home. A growing number of English-language learners are found in schools. A number of students use a dialect that is not Standard English in their home environments. A number of educational strategies are used in schools to help ELLs learn English.

Gender Although few biological differences exist between females and males, differences in economic status, jobs, and educational attainment do exist. Some theorists and researchers credit biology for these differences; others have found that culture and society determine them. Educators can help reduce the differences in participation and achievement in academic areas and sports.

Sexual Orientation More than half of LGBT students report verbal, physical, or sexual harassment by other students, and sometimes teachers, while they are in school. Many educators are not knowledgeable about homosexuality and do not know how to support LGBT students.

Exceptionalities Today’s teachers are likely to have students with disabilities in their classrooms. Like members of other underserved groups in society, students with disabilities are often labeled and stereotyped in ways not conducive to learning. Response to Intervention (RtI) is one approach to identifying students with disabilities.

Religion Religious diversity in the United States is increasing beyond Christianity and Judaism. Families from other religious backgrounds do not always see their traditions and values reflected in the public schools and often feel discriminated against because of their religion.

Multicultural Education Multicultural Education is based on the principles of democracy, social justice, and equality. The goal is to ensure that all students participate equally in the education system. Educators who value the diversity of students strive to provide educational equality in which all students are provided challenging and stimulating learning experiences that help them learn at high levels.

Diversity in Schools

Students and Their Families Chapter 8

Today’s Families Although a majority of children live with their mother and father, many live with single parents, grandparents, adoptive parents, foster parents, gay or lesbian parents, or relatives. Students from low-income families face food insecurities and sometimes find themselves homeless when their families can no longer pay their rent or mortgage with the wages they earn. Achievement is helped when educators and families work together to support the academic and social growth of children.

Dangers Children Face One in one hundred children is abused by a family member or caretaker, with children under the age of five being the most vulnerable. Four in five students report being sexually harassed at some time during their school career with female and LGBT students most often being the victims of the attacks. Violence in the school setting is often the result of bullying in the hallways or school grounds, but it also includes electronic bullying through the internet and cell phones.

Challenges of Growing Up Adolescents struggle with economic and social realities that can affect their lives in negative ways when they make inappropriate decisions related to sexuality and the use of drugs and alcohol. As young people worry about what today’s economic realities mean for their future, the majority are making positive decisions about postsecondary education.

Prejudice and Discriminaiton Being white, high income, and English speaking provides benefits over people who are not white or speak a language other than English. The prejudice that young people learn at home and in school can lead to discriminatory practices that harm people who are different from themselves.

Engagement in Schools Less than 60% of African American, Hispanic, and American Indian students complete high school in four years. In many urban areas, the percentage drops to less than 50 for these students. Many young people exhibit amazing resiliency, allowing them to overcome economic and social hardships to finish school and become productive adults.

Equality of Access Developing digital equity among students who have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not is one of the challenges faced by educators in providing equity and social justice.