Culture and Education Survey

Number of Years teaching__________

Teacher/Pedagogy:

1. Students in my class bring profound experiences to enrich the classroom.
2. Other cultural perspectives are addressed in my classroom (black history month, Islamic culture, Mexican economy, etc.).
3. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a handicap to many students.
4. A unit based partially on addressing Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences is important.
5. I address the special needs of my students in part of every lesson plan/lesson.
6. My school and I display artifacts and histories of different cultures other than our own. Curriculum:
7. The school curriculum encourages student exploration beyond cultural boundaries.
8. My curriculum allows flexibility to let students discuss their own knowledge. Resources:
9. Outside resources such as parents, trained professionals, centers in the community, etc. are part of my teaching experience.
10. I encourage all parents to participate in all areas of schooling.
11. My school encourages the teaching of foreign languages.
12. My school and I encourage teachers of different cultures to come in and speak. Societal issues:
13. Standardized state and national tests, summative course assessments, and other assessments are used in my school.
14. My school is heavily dependent on the state for funding.
15. National and state assessments affect my teaching content.
16. My school makes use of alternative testing methods. Community/PTA:
17. Rewards (academic merit, athletic awards, etc.) are important in school.
18. Rewards (individual awards for academic excellence) in my classroom are important. Student Perceptions:
19. Student input is used as a voice in the school and classroom decision-making process.
20. A student can speak on his/her behalf if his/her ethnic or cultural group deems them an adult.
21. It is advantageous to be a part of a traditional (two-parent mother, father) household.

Appendix II

Observational Survey

1. Other cultural perspectives are addressed in my classroom (black history month, Islamic culture, Mexican economy, etc.).
2. My school and I display artifacts and histories of different cultures other than our own.
3. The school curriculum encourages student exploration beyond cultural boundaries.
4. My school encourages the teaching of foreign languages.
5. Rewards (academic merit, athletic awards, etc.) are important in school.

This survey should target the above statements through independent observation of the school. A more accurate perception of the commitment of the school to multicultural perspectives can be drawn from this survey if used as a comparison to Culture and Education Survey.

• What culture/s are shown at the school?
• What culture dominates the scenery?
• There is Evidence of other cultures in the form of literature, artifacts, etc., are on display?
• Does student work (on the walls in and outside the classroom) displays an exploration beyond cultural boundaries?
• Foreign Language classrooms are at this school?
• How many foreign language classrooms are at this school?
• What languages are taught?
• Is a trophy case or a similar display of awards in the school?
• Which types of awards are on display?
• Are individuals/groups displayed for academic or athletic excellence?
• What awards are predominantly shown around the school?
• Structure of the classroom? traditional? circles? groups?
• Library resources? internet/other tech evidence? multicultural books?
• Are parents walking around in the school? open-door policy?

Appendix III

Survey Results of Two schools