With increasing budget cuts, teachers face more students each year. Cuts in the budget can lead to cuts in the number of teachers, or worse, cuts in the number of schools in the district. While shake-ups in schools and districts occur, teachers must carry on the task of teaching to a more diverse classroom, including diversity in student learning and achievement. What can teachers do to make sure all students are reached and can achieve in their classroom?

Teachers must offer various learning activities to students in order to accurately assess student learning. While some students are happy to listen to a lecture and work from the textbook, many students must learn by doing instead of learning by listening. This may add more work to an already demanding workload for teachers, but allowing students to learn through different styles can help the students understand their own learning better.

If a teacher notices a problem with a students learning or classroom behavior, they may single out the student and talk to them before or after class. This may make the student feel uncomfortable if other students do not receive the same attention. If a teacher makes a habit of talking with each student at various times during the school year, they can address issues concerning all students while reaching those who may have more severe problems in school.

Teachers must have the support of school administration if they are taking on extra work addressing student achievement. The added stress could affect teacher performance, so support from within the building and district can help the teacher focus on teaching. With more students to assess and more learning disabilities acknowledged, teachers may feel overwhelmed by their responsibility. But diagnosing and helping these students early can set them up for a lifetime of success.