The USA is undergoing tremendous cultural changes as we open the first decade of the 21st century. In this paper the author discusses the need to close the performance gap that exists between White, African American, and Latino/a students. To do so, educators must carefully consider several important cultural forces. The author examines the shift in demographic patterns as well as the impact of the 4th Wave and the emergence of post-modernism on education and society. (Contains 5 figures and 1 table.)