Kaleidoscopic

Times they are a changin... and the impact of changing demographics on education are profound. According to the Hodgkinson Article, in the next two decades America will see a great influx of immigrants and about 65 percent of America's population growth will be "minority". The increase in population will be absorbed by mostly (3/5) by three states and the remaining (2/5) will be absorbed by only 6 other states. These states are commonly reffered to as the gateway states. The future changes in America's popultion will put increase pressure on our urban centers. The face of America is changing quickly and with people of a variety of national origins. There will be vast cultural differences and barriers that must be overcome to help assimulate the future population to beome a functioning part of our "American" society. This should be gradual and should not be forced. As educators, we will need to be sensitive to the needs of both transients sudents and their parents, and allow for the retention of cultural charateristics which are famliar and comfortable, while continously faciltating their integration into the "American Culture" and realization of the "Amreican Dream". America is the land of opportunity, and although assimulation is sometimes assumed viewed in a negative light, it is important to become part of the society and community in which you live without losing yourself along the way.