Learning Activity 1

Data from the “Academic Achievement and Suspension Data,” indicates the presence of a correlation between the school dropout rate and academic performance. Among the four areas compared in the data, San Bernardino City USD seems to have the lowest proficiency in most of the academic incidences. A good example is the AYP Math Proficient for the year 2012 where California had 50.2% proficiency, San Bernardino County 50.5%, Sacramento City 51.6% and San Bernardino City USD 49.4%. It is astonishing to note that the suspension rates for the disabled children in the district are high. At the period 2011-2012, the suspension rate was highest having hit the 60% mark. As per the data presented, there is a negative correlation between the academic performance and the drop out and suspension rate. The rate of dropouts and suspensions is affecting academic performance in the district.

Both the annual report to the Congress and the Academic Achievement and Suspension Data indicates a decrease in the suspension rates in recent years. This is mainly due to the zero tolerance policy adopted by many schools.  However, adopting suspensions and expulsions is not proven to improve students’ behaviors. It actually makes students miss classes leading to poor academic achievements. The government has collaborated with parents and other stakeholders to manage the problem since it affects not only the students and the teachers but also the community at large. The persistent use of suspensions in the San Bernardino County ignores the idea of using more positive solutions such as counseling and behavior support which could reduce the suspension rates and improve academic performance.

Having worked and interacted with diverse Groups of people, I have observed that there is a correlation between school dropout and family’s economic conditions. Last summer, I participated in community work where I worked as a helper in a center with children suffering from Conduct Disorder. Most of the children in the center are from poor backgrounds and the conditions under which the life in portrays the economic hardships. With the increasing unemployment rates in the country, this problem will persist. Children with disorders should get professional help provided by the government for free to ensure there is equality.

In my future multicultural class, I expect to face several biases, which requires addressing. In addressing the biases, I would start by educating the students about respecting diversity. I would also create an environment for mistakes. Through mistakes, the students can learn about each other. However, the environment is to be well monitored for instances of defensive responses. Intervention is probably the most effective response to bias. Any instances of bias in the class will be intervened with demonstrations for the students to learn and maintain diversity. Overall, these interventions and activities have the major goal of maintaining diversity and eradicating biases.

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