homework for EDU 471

What do Wong and Nicotera (2007) mean when they state, “While educators should not hold low-achieving or disadvantaged students to lower academic expectations, student demographic variables should not be ignored when making comparisons in student performance” (p. 126)?  Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Why or why not?  Use the example below to formulate your thinking.

Imagine that your principal, Mr. Dylan, comes to your classroom and tells you that you are getting a new student next week.  He shares with you that the student’s name is Diego and that he is friendly, articulate, and very engaging.  Think about what your first reaction would be upon hearing the news that Diego is going to be your new student.  Then, Mr. Dylan shares that Diego has not been in school for the past month.  Next, you learn that Diego was homeless and has attended five schools in the past two years.  Your perception of this child is likely to change as you learn more information.  However, should your expectations for Diego change?  Are there certain areas (emotional, social, academic, or physical) where you might have different expectations?  What if you are also told that Diego is a second language learner?  Should Diego’s demographic factors influence your expectations for him?  What type of consideration should each of the factors describing him be given in terms of how a school places expectations on students?