In years past a large portion of students came from a similar background which may have created similar learning styles and expectations. However, today students come from ALL backgrounds. Their parents may not have attended college or may be new to our country. Students may have been raised in any sort of religious setting or had parents that were able to assist them every step of the way. It is important to make these realizations and realize we were also absolutely leaving some students behind because of undiagnosed learning disabilities or because of a 'that's the way it is' mentality. Finally, we are growing and developing plans of action that revolve around student retention and build upon the differences of all students to reach the most students.
