White students majority no more in U.S. public schools may or may not have come as a surprise, but it is real and it is happening now. According to reports, including one from the Associated Press, this new report of white students majority no more in the country's public schools is a first time in history.
Apparently, the fall in the number of white students is largely influenced by the growth in the number of Hispanic children.
According to an article by the Miami Herald, the report on white students majority no more have been projected this fall.
There have allegedly been reports stating that non-Hispanic white students still being expected to be the largest racial group in U.S. public schools this year. The percentage is at 49.8. However, the National Center for Education Statistics states that now, when minority students are added together, they are now the majority.
According to The Inquisitr, as reports on white students majority no more came out, there have been estimates on cultural diversity in public schools showing that the population of students are composed of one-forth Hispanic, 15 percent black, and 5 percent Asian and Pacific Islander. Apparently, biracial students and Native Americans now make up a smaller number, making up the minority student population.
As such, these numbers showing white students majority no more have brought with it a new reality to the educational system. According to reports, among the new realities is the need for more English language and cultural instruction. This could reportedly include changing the food choices at lunch menus to adjust with the students' taste.
As reported by ABC News, this new data on white students majority no more can unfortunately result in racial tension, among others.
Last month, administrators at the Jefferson Parish public school in Louisiana reached an agreement with the federal government, ending an investigation for discrimination against English language learners.
Also, in May, there had been a racially-based fight between Hispanic and black students at a school in the Chicago, Illinois, suburb of Streamwood. The fight needed the intervention of police.
The AP reports that other problems which may arise from white students majority no more include complex societal questions often falling to school systems to address. The societal questions may include issues on immigration, poverty, diversity and inequity. In the end however, it all boils down to racial tension.
Even as the population becomes more diverse and white students majority no more, schools are reportedly becoming more racially divided, reports ABC News. This in turn reflects U.S. housing patterns.
According to reports, the change in U.S. public school children and white students majority no more are driven mostly by workers migrating from Mexico and other countries to work at mushroom farms.
Barry Tomasetti, superintendent for Pennsylvania's Kennett Consolidated school District acknowledged the cost of white students majority no more. However, Tomasetti still pointed out favourable effects of the current situation with diversity.
Tomasetti said, 'We like our diversity. Our expectation is all of our kids succeed.'
According to the AP, because of white students majority no more, Tomasetti had to hire English language instructors and translators for parent-teacher conferences. He has made efforts to cobble money in order to provide summer school for young English language learners who need extra reading and math support.
White students majority no more, and Patricia Gandara, co-director of the Civil Rights Project at UCLA who serves on President Barack Obama's advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics said that education has also become poorer.
Roughly one-quarter of Hispanics and African-Americans live below the poverty line, reports the AP. According to Gandara, this means that a family of four has nearly 24,000 in annual income. In effect, some of the poorest of Hispanic children are forced to deal with the instability of being in the country illegally or with a parent who is.
White students majority no more, and as Hispanic children population continues to rise, Gandara said that focusing on teacher preparation and stronger curriculum may not get anywhere 'unless we pay attention to the really basic needs of these children.' These needs include things like nutrition and health and safety, and the instability of the homes.
According to educators, the parents of the children must also feel comfortable and accepted in the schools.
White students majority no more and more people are aware for the need to engage other cultures. According to ABC News, President Lisa Mack of the Ohio PTA, encourages local leaders to include themed-events which provide opportunities for people to share different ethnic foods at monthly meetings.
Mack said, 'I think one thing that's critical is that schools and PTAs and everyone just need to understand that with changing demographics, you can't do things the way you've done them before.'
She added, 'That you have to be creative in reaching out and making them feel welcomed and valued and supported in the school system.'
