by Thom Amundsen

Created on: March 27, 2008

Diversity and the Classroom
As Our Faces in the Classroom Evolve

The face of the classroom is changing today in the suburban school, whether it be private or public education. As the inner city of major metroplitans has experienced the increased diversity of the classroom for years, so now will the outer ring schools withstand the onslaught of urban sprawl. Name a city and there will be a recognized increase in the demographics that present a wide range of ethnic diversity in its suburban school system. This phenomena certainly needs to be recognized rather than feared

In my high school, I have experienced a great evolution of culture shock that truly fascinates me. A neighboring school remains drastically white in percentage, and we as teachers and educators look to our demographics with optimism. Where else may a child experience tradition outside of their own with guidance and respect sharing greater emphasis than in the classroom? Our efforts have become gradually focused upon celebrating diversity rather than supression. I believe that ought to be the natural course of thinking in all school districts. We have the responsibility to offer our students a clear message, that individuality can create and nurture positive outcomes, within shared experience, rather than negatiing the reality with close-mindedness and intolerance. However, another obstacle remains that prevents a smooth transition towards cultural awareness. A vision of change and acceptance can only occur with evident support from the homes of our children. The values that students bring into the classroom realize their starting points within the seemingly safe walls of home. That is where values and integrity are meant to prosper. My fear is that it is not occuring enough, and the views of long-term intolerance create a basis for learned behavior that will inevitably determine how Cherise or Jill, and Ahmed or Jorge become compatible in their formative years of education. Perhaps Dimitri can bring wonderful insight derived from his homeland that allows Robert to feel greater confidence; ideally that open-mindedness to see another person's perspective without categorizing race begins with learned values in the direct environment of the immediate family.

Recently, on the highway, a car swept past me with a bumper sticker that shouted, "Why do I have to press 1 for English?" with an American flag framing the message. My reaction was sadness and as I later came upon the driver I was able to get a look

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