#9 Dealing With Diversity in Your Classroom
by Cynthia Duda

Background:

The purpose of this assignment is to help student teachers analyze the various types of students that are represented in their classroom. It is conventional classroom wisdom "to meet the needs of every child," but most student teachers have not had a chance to think that through, or to put it into practice in the real world of their classroom. This activity causes them to focus on the different student needs represented in their classrooms.

Objectives:

1. The student teacher will count and record the numbers of various types of students in their classroom.
2. Using the data collected, the student will answer, in writing, the reflection questions.

Materials:

Handouts, class rosters, interviews with appropriate school personnel.

Procedure:

1. Using the attached handout as a guide, the student teacher will research the information and complete the discussion questions. The data is to be presented in a typed report.
2. At the next student teacher seminar, the student will present their findings for discussion.

Evaluation:

The written report will be evaluated for completeness and evidence of careful thought as applied to the discussion questions.

Classroom Diversity

Student Teacher _______________________________  Date __________________________
Cooperating Teacher ___________________________   School _______________________
Grade Level ____________________________________   Subject Taught _______________

You will need to use a variety of resources to answer these questions. Consult your cooperating teacher, the vice principal, the Special Education coordinator or anyone else who could provide you with the numbers that you need. When your data is gathered, present it in typed form with the answers to your response questions.

School Demographics:

Total Number of Students: _________
Total Number of Teachers: _________
Support Staff: _________

Ethnicities of Students:

Anglo: __________   African American: __________
Hispanic __________   Asian: __________
Other: __________ (describe)  

Ethnicities of Teachers:

Anglo: __________   African American: __________
Hispanic __________   Asian: __________
Other: __________ (describe)  

Totals in Special Programs:

Gifted Program: __________   What is the program called? __________
ESOL __________  
Special Education: __________

Student Category Breakdowns in Student Teacher's Class:

For each class list the following totals:

Regular education: __________
Special Education: __________
Emotionally disturbed: __________   Boys: __________
Learning Disabled: __________   Girls: __________
Speech: __________  
Other: __________ Describe type of services received  
At Risk: __________
Free or Reduced Lunch: __________

Ethnicity: (list countries of origin if not USA)

Anglo: __________   African American: __________
Hispanic __________   Asian: __________
Other: __________  
Girls: __________ Boys: __________
Reading Level range: __________

Reflection Questions

1. What would be the purpose of analyzing your classes in this much detail?
2. What is the ratio of ethnicities of teachers as compared to ethnicities of students? What are your observations or conclusions about this?
3. Give examples of the types of modifications the classroom teacher is expected to make based on the IEP's for your special education students. How can you meet those needs? (Be specific.)
4. Do you observe any patterns in the ethnicities or genders of students in special programs, i.e. gifted or Special Ed.?
5. Why do you think it would be important to give specific consideration to each ethnic group represented among your students as you prepare for your class? Give examples of ways you can be inclusive of each group. Think authentically, not superficially.
6. Why should you be aware of the count of the ratio of boys and girls in your classroom? The AAUW report says girls lose self esteem the longer they are in school. How can you prevent this from occurring in your classroom?
7. Review the textbook for your course. Look for the following things in relation to your students.
   
   1. What kind of representation does the book give for the ethnicities that are represented in your classroom?
   2. What kind of representation are women given in your textbook?
8. Based on your textbook observations, what kinds of materials or supplements do you need to be trying to find to meet the needs of your students?
9. Which of these two statements is closest to your teaching philosophy? Explain your answer.
   1. I teach people who are students, my subject material is a way to make an impact on their lives.
   2. I teach history, government, economics,...it is up to the students to make the subject important in their lives.