Diversity

It is important to consider and understand diversity because all students we teach have their own individual background, experiences, and culture that we as teachers must understand in order to provide the most appropriate educational experience for our students. Teachers must adapt and change curriculum to fit the needs of each individual student that we have.  If we were to assume that diversity did not exist in the classroom we would have to assume that all kids had the exact same intelligence, culture, childhood experiences, social skills, and physical ability.  In a realistic classroom setting this does not exist.  While teaching Adapted Physical Education, I have noticed that I have had some of the most diverse classes in the educational system.  For example, some of my APE classes have consisted of students ranging from severe autism to students who have visual impairments but are able to take and complete college preparatory classes with appropriate accommodations.  Obviously providing the same education material to each of these students would not work. Each child needs to be reached in a specific manner in order to address the diverse needs of our students.