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It is crucial for educators to value, understand and incorporate every child’s cultural diversity in the classroom (The Early Years Learning Framework Professional Learning Program, 2011). This means educators needs to deal with any bias beliefs they might/may hold. For example, some children might not participate in the classroom because

When setting up an inclusive learning environment we need to focus on individual differences. Francis and Gould (2013: p65) explain, that “it is important to recognise the differences in the learners we teach, as these influence how we interact with them.” Francis and Gould (2013) list few typical differences, like age, physical disability, mental health issues, ethnicity, etc.

Teachers must learn about their student’s cultures if they want to educate them to the best of their ability. Many of the students in culturally diverse classrooms will want to learn in different ways. Some will want to learn in pairs, groups, as a class, or just alone. If the teacher is educated in their culture then lessons can be adjusted to appeal to every student as much as possible instead of forcing some to forget about their culture and learn like others. Students from

Artifact for Licensure Competency #3 [InTASC Std. 2] - Learning Differences: The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards. (Teaching Scholars, Developers of Human Potential)

The teacher uses the understanding of differences in individuals, cultures, and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet rigorous standards.

* Reflect upon how these differences influence your ability to create a learning environment that respectfully encompasses cultural and other individual differences; and

Students with different cultural norms are at risk if teachers have little knowledge, sensitivity or appreciation of the diversity in communication

I mentioned in my Journal 2 that my parents emphasized focusing on similarities you share with an individual rather than their difference. Though you have not been as exposed to many people from different backgrounds, it is important that note that you are open to learning more about different cultures. I firmly believe learning about those different than yourself is a way of growth both intellectually and socially. It is also important as future educators that we realize that our classroom has a possibility of being very diverse or lack diversity. Regardless, of the classroom racial demographics we must be able to effectively reach and teach every student. We must develop an equitable classroom on different spectrums and awareness of cultures is one to accomplish

This will cause the child to be left behind without any understanding of a nurturing environment that includes knowledge about his cultural background. A teacher’s method of accepting diversity in the classroom with students and parents should show evidence that the proper guidance and knowledge are taught in the classroom. Developmentally Appropriate Practices are outlined in the guideline of NAEYC and the DAP Curriculum with the appropriate activities and material available for children at all

III. State your opinion on what you believe is the purpose of this artifact and the success of the creator in achieving the purpose. For instance, what message do you believe the creator is trying to express, and is that message successfully expressed? [You examined this in 2-3-1 Worksheet: Reasons for Creating Artifacts.]

Learning Differences, the second InTASC standard, is important because in order for a student to reach high standards they must feel comfortable. In order to achieve this in my classroom I will take time to learn about different cultures. I will bring my knowledge into my classroom and share it with my class so we can grow together. I will implement teaching different cultures in my classroom with literature and videos that we as a group can discuss. I will keep an open mind in the classroom and learn from my students and their families. I will learn from the students families by scheduling at home visits at the beginning and end of the year.

Within a classroom I would use the cultural, and linguistically diversity as a resource to enrich the educational experience for the students. A students socio-economic status and other factors could impact their potential for academic success because they may not have adequate resources to help them on their educational journey. Secondly children are influenced by their previous educational experiences these experiences may leave a negative impact on how they perceive their education, because they may not have reached their full academic potential, therefore may fall behind. Regardless of the students background and abilities I would not lower my expectations for them.

Most modern day classrooms are structured to operate under the premises that students must demonstrate mastery of specific state mandated standards in order to show academic growth. The purpose of this paper is to explore some effective methods to effectively implement differentiated instruction in the standards based classroom. As a result of various education initiatives, the focus of education has now shifted to developing students who are able to consistently meet and exceed academic standards.

Barrett and Keat offer a definition of artifacts, as well as explain the most common types of artifacts:

Differentiated instruction must be embraced by the administrators that can create such a culture within the school. Cultural proficiency is a mind-set, a world view, a