Educators adapt to the classroom of 2020

The 'typical classroom' has changed dramatically in the last century. It reflects a population that is constantly becoming more ethnically and racially diverse.

Yet, the resources for a diverse classroom seem to be lacking. The idea of diversifying the classroom has been a topic of discussion in the news, school board meetings and in everyday conversation for years now. Some institutions have adapted while many need to get to work.

Changing up the classroom

Some educators have taken the hint. Chris Emdin, who is mentioned in a recent New York Times article, has led the #HipHopEd initiative to integrate urban youth culture with learning. Programs under this initiative uses hip-hop to teach science.

It seems as though educators are finally tired of saying "Well, school is supposed to be boring. That's what makes it educational," and are starting to say "What can I do to actually engage my students so they take this information with them?" This program not only engages students in cultures that are becoming more prevalent in the U.S. today but it engages the students of today rather than catering to students of a population that no longer exists — and maybe never existed at all.

Institutions have attempted to bridge the gap by adding technology in the classroom. By providing technology such as IPads or laptops for every student in a school district, administrators can start to address equity and access issues.

The Ithaca City School District provides laptops to its 6,000 students through its 1:1 laptop program. As curriculum changes to incorporate more technology, this ensures that students without those resources are not left in the dust.

Educator diversity

While educators are making strides toward improving the classroom experience for their students, the educators themselves lack diversity. Teachers are still overwhelmingly white.

A study completed by the Department of Education in 2016 broke down the racial disparities in those who pursue education degrees to those who become principles of public schools. In every category, the white were in the majority which does not reflect the U.S. population as a whole at all.

Students need to see themselves in their teachers. It helps them to succeed. Maybe, there is a lack of diverse teachers because students of different races are not seeing themselves represented.

Based on the study, done by the Department of Education, the percentage of white teachers will decrease by the year 2024 but a significant increase in any other race is not expected by the year 2024. The largest increase is expected for the hispanic population.

It is clear that, although educators are making progress, there is still work to be done in diversifying the classroom and those who stand at the front of it.