Chapter Overview
A general principle is that diversity strengthens our lives. Consider the value of diversifying a financial portfolio or varying physical activities in order to be at peak physical performance. The human gene pool is also strengthened by genetic diversity. In education, many types of diversity matter for providing equitable learning opportunities to all children and for strengthening our society.
Racial categories matter because they are commonly used to exclude, discriminate, and oppress others. However, they are artificial constructs that do not have biological basis. Differences in physical characteristics are the result of adaptations from living in different climates over time, but we are all descended from a small group of humans in Africa.
Even though there is not a biological basis for racial groups, significant differences exist in achievement scores by racial group. Whites tend to outperform students of color (including some Asian American and Pacific Islander groups) on standardized reading and math tests. The achievement gap in schools is best explained by differences in learning opportunities and resources. Some educational programs are successfully addressing the achievement gap. These programs include the Puente Project, the Algebra Project, and the Lemon Grove Academy. Common features of these programs include culturally relevant education, strong parent-school relationships, high standards for teaching and learning, and a culture of caring throughout the school.
Technology may be used to address the achievement gap and can provide all students with extra opportunities and support. It can allow for differentiated instruction because students can learn at their own pace, it allows all students access to knowledge, and it can allow for increased feedback and communication. Technology can play an important part in universal design for all learners, which is meant to create a learning environment that benefits the largest number of learners possible.
A combined philosophy of the ethic of care, sociocultural theory of learning, and education for democracy can contribute to efforts to make schools places of learning that are student-centered, relationship-centered, and culture-centered environments.
Learning Objectives
L01. Discuss why diversity is a fundamental principle in life.
L02. Analyze and address the achievement gap between students of color and their White peers.
L03. Demonstrate how to integrate technology to address the achievement gap found in schools.
L04. Reflect upon and discuss moving from teacher-centered to student-centered education applying a framework that integrates the ethic of care (relationships), sociocultural theory of learning (culture and cognition), and education for democracy (community).
Readings & Resources
Due this Week
A general principle is that diversity strengthens our lives. Consider the value of diversifying a financial portfolio or varying physical activities in order to be at peak physical performance. The human gene pool is also strengthened by genetic diversity. In education, many types of diversity matter for providing equitable learning opportunities to all children and for strengthening our society.
Racial categories matter because they are commonly used to exclude, discriminate, and oppress others. However, they are artificial constructs that do not have biological basis. Differences in physical characteristics are the result of adaptations from living in different climates over time, but we are all descended from a small group of humans in Africa.
Even though there is not a biological basis for racial groups, significant differences exist in achievement scores by racial group. Whites tend to outperform students of color (including some Asian American and Pacific Islander groups) on standardized reading and math tests. The achievement gap in schools is best explained by differences in learning opportunities and resources. Some educational programs are successfully addressing the achievement gap. These programs include the Puente Project, the Algebra Project, and the Lemon Grove Academy. Common features of these programs include culturally relevant education, strong parent-school relationships, high standards for teaching and learning, and a culture of caring throughout the school.
Technology may be used to address the achievement gap and can provide all students with extra opportunities and support. It can allow for differentiated instruction because students can learn at their own pace, it allows all students access to knowledge, and it can allow for increased feedback and communication. Technology can play an important part in universal design for all learners, which is meant to create a learning environment that benefits the largest number of learners possible.
A combined philosophy of the ethic of care, sociocultural theory of learning, and education for democracy can contribute to efforts to make schools places of learning that are student-centered, relationship-centered, and culture-centered environments.
Learning Objectives
L01. Discuss why diversity is a fundamental principle in life.
L02. Analyze and address the achievement gap between students of color and their White peers.
L03. Demonstrate how to integrate technology to address the achievement gap found in schools.
L04. Reflect upon and discuss moving from teacher-centered to student-centered education applying a framework that integrates the ethic of care (relationships), sociocultural theory of learning (culture and cognition), and education for democracy (community).
Readings & Resources
- Chapter 11
Due this Week
- Discussion/Activity
- After completing the assigned reading, answer one of the following questions. Post your response on FORUM in LAULIMA. Your discussion post will be due on Friday by 11:55pm.
- Why do you think that our culture persists in using racial labels and categories? In what ways are they helpful? In what ways are they damaging?
- What are your thoughts about the achievement gap?
- To what extent do you think your understanding of the achievement gap will shape your practices as an educator?
- After completing the assigned reading, answer one of the following questions. Post your response on FORUM in LAULIMA. Your discussion post will be due on Friday by 11:55pm.
- Peer Response
- Respond to one of your classmates' discussion posts. Your response must be respectful, thorough, and well thought-out. Peer Responses will be due by Sunday by 11:55pm.
- Quiz
- This is an open-book, open-resource quiz that you are required to take after completing the assigned readings and videos. This quiz is graded but you are able to take the quiz as many times as you like and only your highest score will be counted. Complete your quiz by Sunday by 11;55pm. To complete the quiz, go to LAULIMA TESTS & QUIZZES.