BLOG ASSIGNMENT PART II

1. How do we educate all children? (foreign born, American born, rich, poor, etc.)

First, we must implement an inclusive strategy which targets equal opportunities and individual support for all children. Providing funds in a fair and equal way is necessary so that schools particularly in poor areas have adequate resources. Adopting inclusive teaching strategies that cater to different learning styles is important. Teachers should receive training in cultural sensitivity to develop an environment that appreciates and values children from different backgrounds. Individualized support systems, such as ESL programs for foreign-born students and additional resources for those with economic disadvantages, can help address specific needs. Diversity of the curriculum is an essential tool for fostering the feeling of inclusion. Integration of different cultural views can help certain students relate to classwork material. In conclusion, an inclusive education system requires many aspects such as fair funding, diverse teaching approaches, cultural sensitivity, and a diverse curriculum.

2. Who does school benefit and who does it fail? Why do you think this is the case? Use evidence to back up your opinion. 

Students with abundant resources, experienced teachers, and a supportive learning environment are at an advantaged in schools compared to those without support. Wealthy students are usually sent to well-endowed schools, which provide a wide range of extracurricular activities and Advanced Placement classes, thereby improving their educational exposure. Additionally, students with active supportive parents are more likely to succeed academically. On the other hand, schools don’t really support poor students that are under-resourced, have big class sizes, and few extracurricular activities. The achievement gap widens as these students usually do not get quality education which fosters social inequality. This is based on systemic discrimination. The lack of equal funding creates an educational gap, which results in students that have fewer opportunities. In addition, certain testing such as standardized testing have biased towards some learning styles, therefore, giving certain students a disadvantage.

1. Lareau, A. (2011). Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life. University of California Press.
2. Reardon, S. F. (2011). The widening academic achievement gap between the rich and the poor: New evidence and possible explanations. Whither opportunity? Rising inequality, schools, and children's life chances, 91-115.
3. Baker, B. D. (2016). The politics of school finance: Past, present, and future. Routledge.