What are some of the changes occurring in family demographics and composition, and why is it important for educators to understand these changes?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The majority of children live in traditional nuclear families (two married parents).
Increasing numbers of children live in single-parent homes.
Increasing numbers of children live in binuclear families (stepfamilies).
Divorce rates are still at about 50% for White and Black women, but rates vary according to race and cultural background.
Most divorce occurs in the first 8–10 years of marriage. Preschool- to elementary-age children are more likely to experience parents’ divorce and remarriage than older children.
Parents are waiting longer to marry and start families.
Families are smaller (fewer children per household).
More single women are giving birth, although teen pregnancy rates are decreasing.
There are increased numbers of young children living in poverty, particularly children living with single mothers (about 21% of all children in the United States live at or below poverty levels).
There are increased numbers of children being reared by grandparents.
The U.S. population is increasing in its diversity. Asian and Latino families show the greatest growth in population, and multiracial families reflect the fastest-growing demographic in the United States.
Teachers and school administrators must first recognize and seek to understand the family and cultural contexts of students in order to create relevant, meaningful curriculum and to build partnerships with families and communities that support and encourage active participation in children’s education and overall development.