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.