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Cultural Diversity

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A. Introduction
Bellingham High School is an urban high school, located in Bellingham Washington. The school offers a varied academic program which includes partnering with the local community college as well as offering advanced placement courses. The high school also offers a wide variety of clubs and activities reaching out to an ever growing and diverse student population. The school has 1037 students and a faculty totaling 55 members. The school and the district in the past year have been looking at the growing changes in the student population with the ever changing diversity which presents many challenges along with opportunities for not only the students, but also the faculty, staff, parents and community as a whole.

A1. Local Demographics
Students in the Bellingham High School Community represent a varied background. Approximately 1% are from migrant families. This specific population is ever changing in size as migrant families move frequently. The student population also consists of approximately 10% of students that are serviced through an IEP plan. This population will continue to expand as families are identified and students receive testing and supports as granted under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Finally, an emerging population that is gaining recognition not only with in the school community, but is also expanding in recognition across the United States, is the LGBTQ community. It is a community that is at the forefront of social movement and civil rights activities. Currently in Bellingham High School, approximately 13% of the student population openly identifies within the LGBTQ parameters.

A1a. Demographics across the United States
Much like the ever changing population of The United States, Bellingham High School’s population is also constantly changing with each new school year. The number of

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