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Candace Butler Class X7034, Dr. Pederson Emerging Critical Issues in Education April 21, 2010 Identify an emerging critical issue in education not covered in this course. Predict how this issue might have short and/or long term implications in the field of education. Closing achievement gaps between disadvantaged students and their wealthier counterparts is an emerging critical issue in education. Due to lack of resources and access to these resources, many economically disadvantaged students are at a disadvantage. They are not given a quality education. Much of research needs to be devoted to preventive measures rather than reactive measures. Instead of students failing or dropping out of school, their challenges need to be identified early and interventions put in place. Additionally, their parents need to be made aware of resources provided by the school system and community. Often times, learning difficulties can be identified in children as young as 3 years old. “A 2000 RAND study found that, for whites, participation in Head Start is associated with a significantly increased probability of completing high school and attending college, as well as elevated earnings in one’s early 20s, while there was “suggestive evidence” that African American males who attended Head Start were more likely than their siblings to have completed high school” (Teachers Q & A, 2006) . Programs such as these open the door for children to have a successful academic career and can foster a positive attitude about education. “Providing greater equity for all young adults would also produce greater efficiency in the use of public resources. So this is a case where America truly can do well by doing good” (Teachers Q & A-Congressman Charles Rangel, 2006). Write a note to future students of this course including information on the emerging critical issues. Dear Students, You are about to embark on a journey that will encourage you to evaluate the current trends in education. There are so many critical issues coming to the forefront in the wake of No Child Left Behind. With the concern about teacher accountability and providing a quality education for students, more and more parents want to be ensured that their children are receiving the best education possible. Your peers will come from various backgrounds and broaden your horizons. You will have the opportunity to learn about how to integrate vocational fields into the curriculum (art, music, technology, business, etc). Overall, this will be an enriching experience for you. And, it is my hope that you come away with a deeper understanding of what it means to put our children first. Enjoy, but most importantly, IMPLEMENT WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED! Candace Butler REFERENCES Teachers College Columbia University (2006). Questions and Answers on Critical Issues In Education. Retrieved on April 21, 2010 http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/media/212_TCAnnual2006.pdf