CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Cultural diversity refers to the differences that may exist among people as a function of characteristics such as race, cultural and ethnic background, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and physical or sensory impairment. The status of cultural diversity needs to be explored in an effort to accommodate needs for changes in policies on both federal and state levels, regarding economic and educational issues.

Prediction of expected changes in diversity that are likely to occur from 1990 to 2010, includes the examination of trend lines from census data from 1980 to 1990. During this period, the nation increased by 22.1 million persons, to a total of 248.7 million in 1990. Different regions throughout the U.S. grew at different rates; ninety percent of the growth occurred in the south and west. States growing the most rapidly tend to be those with a high percentage of minorities. Three states got half of the nation's growth; California, Texas and Florida therefore picked up 14 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is anticipated that the growth rates will continue at this uneven pace. By the year 2000, the Congressional Research Service has stated that California will have 50 seats in the House of Representatives, Florida will have 28, and Texas will have 34. These votes could be enough to defeat legislation introduced by any other state.

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ith the following change rates: +0.5 total youth; -3.8 White, non-Hispanic; +2.6 Hispanic; +1.2 Black; and +0.6 other races. Thus a decrease in total white youth is expected to be -3.8 million, and an increase in total nonwhite youth is predicted to be +4.4 million. California public schools reflect the transition to a multiracial society. Students of color (Hispanics, Asians, African Americans, and Native Americans) outnumber whites 54.4 percent to 45.6 percent. The state's growth of racial minorities has so far not been reflected in the California legislature or other political institutions; therefore, most people of color still lack power and control, which is viewed as potential disaster for educational and other public policies and practices. California is the largest in population with the most diverse population. Public school quality has dropped, as measured by achievement test scores. Educational reforms of 1982-83 such as Senate Bill 813 begin to address problems, however, the entire educational system needs reform. The character of life in a society is influenced by its educational processes. The public school system is viewed as making possible the democratic institutions, the economic productivity, cul
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Approximate Word count = 1404
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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