The aim of this article is to highlight three different groups within a typical classroom, the identifying characteristics of each, the challenges that they pose and the means of adapting them to advance learning. Group 1: At-Risk StudentsCharacteristics Many at-risk students have special educational needs, such as learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral problems. Most at-risk students drop out of school quickly, but most have the following characteristics: • Generally low academic achievement with low self-esteem. • Most are male and minorities • From low-socio-status families -economic.• Older age than their peers in class.• Have discipline and absenteeism problems.• Present impulsive behavior problems.• Family problems, drugs, pregnancies and other problems that interfere with their bond with school. This does not mean that these are the only students who will drop out of school. Some students who drop out come from middle-income, two-parent homes and are actively involved in school and participate in school activities (Donnelly, 2000).Challenges for TeachersSome of the challenges for teachers are:• Must overcome the traditional concepts of education.• Overcome the belief that at-risk students are deficient and need slow, specialized instruction.• Need to focus on teamwork in classrooms.• Spend more time coordinating instructions.• Develop strategies to engage students in active activities. listening.• Teachers must have strong support from administrators, community members, and parents (Ogle, 1997).Accommodations• Identify at-risk students early.• Assess regularly.• Encourage participation in school and school activities.• Create... ... middle of article ...... in this article, groups 1, 2 and 3 have common characteristics. All groups have low self-esteem and behavioral problems. Most group problems arise as a result of family economic statuses. The three groups have major differences. At-risk students are mostly male and minorities, while homeless and behavioral problem groups represent society as a whole. Homeless children suffer from hunger and health problems. After reflection, I feel that as an educator, I must embrace diversity in the classroom. I would use cooperative learning in the classroom where the children would work in groups. Small group learning activities will encourage students to expand their knowledge as they learn new material, transforming the classroom into a community of learners actively working together to understand their assignments..