In our society, success is defined by financial wealth. Wealth is accumulated by employment in most cases, and remuneration for white collar jobs is higher than for blue collar jobs. Therefore white collar jobs are viewed as more prestigious; these are the positions that our school curriculum is preparing students for. The BC Government defines the following intellectual attributes of a graduate:
• competency in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies and science, including the ability to use these skills in problem-solving and decision-making
• the ability to use and understand information technologies
• the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences; this includes the ability to access, synthesize and present information; it also includes knowledge of both a first and second language
• an understanding and appreciation of artistic and aesthetic expression
• the ability to think critically and solve problems, using information to develop opinions and make sound judgments and decisions
• an understanding of the importance of a lifelong commitment to continuous learning.
These attributes describe well a mainstream student who is preparing for a post-secondary program in an academic field. They describe less well an academically capable student who is interested in a career in a more hands-on occupation. But for students at-risk for drop out, these attributes serve to exclude and marginalize them. This is the opposite effect of the intended policy of inclusion.
According to the Ministry of Education website, the purpose of the policy of inclusion is to address a wider variety of diversity needs.
Diversity refers to the ways in which we differ from each other. Some of these differences may be visib...
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...s, physical disabilities and emotional and behavioral problems are provided with Individual Education Plans. These documents guide the students’ instruction and give guidance to teacher in the ways the learning outcomes can be modified or adapted to meet the individual learning needs. It is imperative to develop a high school leaving document that reflects the varied needs of our varied students and which does not push students pursuing a goal other than academic post-secondary training aside. We could develop equally valid documents such as an “Academic Preparation Certificate” for those going to university; “Vocational Preparation Certificate” for those going into trades; and “General Completion Certificate” for other students. By valuing these equally, we would create a path for students at risk which would value them equally as contributing members of society.
Every individual in society and in a community is unique in their own ways, and their diversity shows up in many ways. Some of these ways include: religion, race, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and so on. Everyone’s backgrounds are different, and this is what creates diversity in people. Even though everyone might not be the same, only by uniting everyone can we create the big picture. It’s like a puzzle—even though people are different, we can come together to create a big picture that couldn’t be created by puzzle pieces of the same shape. To me, diversity symbolizes the unique backgrounds that we come from. Every individual in their communities and in their society are influenced by their background—and this can come from various reasons. If someone comes from a different socioeconomic background, or lifestyle, their thought processes and their view of life might be much more different than mine. Their reaction to a certain situation can be much more different than mine, and it is important for me to see all these viewpoints in order to be a more informed member of my community. Everyone is diverse in their expression, style, and
Tough explains their analysis and conclusions, by which he reiterates, “… high school grades reveal much more than mastery of content. They reveal qualities of motivation and perseverance - as well as the presence of good study habits and time management skills - that tell us a great deal about the chances that a student with complete a college program” (Tough 153). As apparent in the above text, non-cognitive abilities such as motivation and perseverance are key predictors to the completion of a college degree. In essence, the researchers suggest that the increase in college dropouts is associated with an absence of these character
According to Leonhardt, many people who drop out usually plan to go back eventually to get their degrees, but very few actually do. According to “Access to Attainment”, approximately 65% of all job openings will require postsecondary education by the year 2020 and “many of the long-standing programs and policies designed to foster access no longer supports the needs of today’s students” (Miller, et al. 5). The availability of higher education to the public has greatly changed over time, and thus the system and the programs must adapt as well to continue providing the best access and opportunities possible to individuals. “….a college education matters much more now than it once did” (Leonhardt). Lower-class students coming from low-income high schools might not have the same opportunities for learning as their upper-class counterparts, and as a result they are less likely to be accepted to elite universities. The education system is beneficial for many but it is flawed as well, especially in preparing high schoolers for college, which has the potential to greatly impact their
High schools must begin to do their part in preparing graduates for the rigors of college. In the last couple of decades, high stakes testing along with state and federal mandates have put tremendous pressure on public schools to increase graduation rates (Steele 616). Sadly, high schools spend so much time on preparing students for the graduation tests that no time is left for the needed psychological preparation for college. High school policymakers need to reevaluate their desired results for graduates to include college r...
There are many aspects to include when defining diversity. Diversity is understanding biological variations, space, social organization, communication, time and environmental control of a culture. The first aspect is understanding the different biological variations within different cultures of people. Biological variations include: body structure,
Diversity can simply be defined as the state of being diverse, but it is just not that simple. Being diverse can be complex because every human being is diverse from one another in some way. We all are born into a family with certain values, expectations, etc. that start us off by being diverse from one another. On top of that, we are also diverse by what nationality, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status, gender, etc. that we hold. There are many aspects of our selves that can make us diverse, and I know that many of my own aspects make me diverse. This diversity is what makes us who we are; it gives us our personal identity. For this paper, I would like to examine my diverse aspects and give a personal assessment of my heritage and
Traditionally, diversity refers to an assortment of races, ethnicities, genders, ages, disabilities and perhaps sexual orientations. A definition of diversity, however, should not be constrained by traditional categories such as these. Such a definition should also include categories such as religion, educational level, life experience, geographic location, socio-economic background, marital status and work experience. Indeed, each person employed by a company possesses unique qualities that encompass many factors.
With 7.4 billion people, there’s bound to be an abundance of diversity, as there are so many things that can make one person different from another, whether it be race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, disorders, or any other characteristic that can differentiate
Students’ wouldn’t be able to hold down a job is the second reason they shouldn’t dropout of high school. Many employers would like to have someone who has been too high school and that have been educated so they can handle money and add things p...
The implementation of policy and legislation related to inclusive education, thus being a focus on the diversity and difference in our society (Ashman & Elkins, 2009), would have vast implications on the way society views that which is different to the accepted “norm”.
Diversity is a notion, when applied to the majority of circumstances, can create a positive conclusion. The trick to producing a positive outcome is often how the different aspects are brought together. Consider a classic dinner combination peas and carrots, the two colors look appealing and the two flavors comes together as one making a superb side dish. Now consider oil and water, these two substance are not often considered a good combination. Although, this is not always the case; olive oil and vinegar (which is water based) when mixed, come together into a delectable salad dressing. Diversity and inclusion should also apply to humans by bringing people together who are different it can creates a whole that is enhanced by the uniqueness of each individual.
The skills that I am referring to are Oral and Written Communication, Interpersonal, and Teamwork skill. These sets of skills have been identified US dept of Labor and other universities and learning Centers as the essential skills every person needs.
There are several definition of diversity depends on the context. In general, diversity concerns to personal or group's socio-demographic behaviour
Robert Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence argues intelligence is not just analytical but, a combination of three factors of human ability: analytical, creative, and practical. Analytical intelligence focuses on the ability to acquire knowledge allowing us to learn new processes, solve problems, and perform tasks. Creative intelligence focuses on gaining insight, developing and applying new ideas, adapting creatively to new tasks and, responding effectively in new situations. Practical intelligence focuses on the ability to develop solutions to practical and personal problems confronted in everyday life.
A. Language understanding: The ability to "understand" and respond to the natural language. To translate from spoken language to a written form and to translate from one natural language to another natural language.