Diversity in the Classroom

In Miss Kings class room I see a lot of cultural and linguistic diversity.  As I have stated before many students speak Spanish and come from a home where English is not spoken.  I believe it’s about 30%.  This definitely poses a challenge but it is to be expected since it is a dual immersion program.  If the child speaks only Spanish or only English and wants to learn Spanish they would have been put in this program.  The teachers have obstacles but since the program has been in place for many years, and most parents want their kids in the program, dual immersion teachers receive the best technology for the classroom and lots of help from the school board.  I have not helped in the Spanish class side so I do not know how the English speakers are doing on that end.  I have seen and spoken with my daughter in the program and she is nervous in the other class but generally can figure out what her Spanish teacher is asking her to do. 

Miss King addresses the cultural diversity by having a wide library of books and videos that she uses to teach others about cultures.  They also learn different cultural artists in art class.  

I have noticed a few kids with learning disabilities.  If the students struggle with ADHD or Autism I have not noticed them.  I believe programs are in place to help keep those students engaged. Some struggle with dyslexia and others have facial indicators of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Those students are not being disruptive even with their learning disabilities. Miss King has created a loving and trusting environment that allows her to help and teach these students.  They feel like she is there to help and are not afraid to ask for help.   

History of American Education

Heber Valley Elementary is one of the more diverse elementary schools in our district.  Wasatch county school district has a higher Hispanic demographic than most of the counties in the surrounding area and Heber Valley Elementary has the bulk of those students in that age group.  This means that many of our students come from a home where English is not the first language.  Since the district offers the dual immersion Spanish program for all students, it helps the children who do not speak English very well to learn.  I also know that if they don’t speak Spanish either than they help by having a translator for the student or whenever possible being sure that the student is put in a class where at least someone else speaks their language. Thanks to Lau v Nichols in 1975 and the civil rights act of 1964 programs like this have been created to help those who do not speak English well. 

In Miss King’s class specifically I’ve noticed one who speaks very little English, and many more who speak English but don’t understand it or write it well.  They struggle but do not feel alone.  At times it can be disruptive, but if the child wants to learn they will work hard to succeed.  The children who come from a home where English is not spoken struggle more than those whose parents speak English. If the parents can’t help their kids with the English homework than the bulk of the learning is done at school.   

I am so grateful that I am entering the teaching field in this century.  The changes that have been applied to our school system have done a lot to improve the way our youth are being educated.  I am grateful that I was not around for segregation and for the eras that did not have emphasis on math and science.  I know how important reading and writing are, but they are not my favorite subjects.  I personally love math and science.  I love how it makes me think and ponder on how things work.