How have economic changes affected students and schools? Economic changes affected students and schools in many ways. Students have different opportunities to learn and contacts with literature. Students from lower-socioeconomic statuses have bigger issues to worry about than their school work and education. It affects health, cognitive development, school performance and the likelihood of developing disabilities. Students are more likely to suffer from illnesses and diseases and less likely to receive appropriate medical care. Student in poverty often live in substandard housing, lack health insurance, are hungry, and enter school with fewer skills and more stress. They are more likely to be recommended for special education because they are so delayed. Title 1 is a done to help to subsidize the costs of school for students who are poor. This is defined by the percentage of children that qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch. There is always a para-educator or two to help students. Strategies to address economic differences include avoiding activities that require students to play, consider using school resources to address students’ economic needs, make curriculum relevant, offer a range of integrated, comprehension services, offer help and alternatives, encourage familiar participation by providing transportation to and during important meetings. How can you differentiate cultural and language differences from learning difficulties? It is important to measure students and assess them in their native language or the language that they are most proficient in. This will give direct information about whether students are struggling because of language barriers or because of a learning disability. If a student struggles in both languages then it is likely a disability; whereas if the student struggles in one language but not in another language the child probably doesn’t have a disability. What is the effect of discrimination, segregation and bias on students and schools? Discrimination causes mental and physical consequences including anxiety and depression. Students can feel inferior. It can lead to student harassment and victimization, which leave a student confused and broken. Segregations promotes one-sidedness and teaches students to be intolerant of other ideas or concepts that will eventually come up in their lives. It creates a sense of inequality and demoralizes students. How can you plan an inclusive classroom to address the strengths and challenges of your students from diverse backgrounds? Students who grow up appreciating their rich multicultural/ethnic identity are able to function well in many cultures and to understand and adjust to a variety of perspectives.