Katz, J. & Porath, M. (2011). Teaching to diversity: This study was set out to examine the implementation of Creating compassionate learning communities for diverse Katz’s (2012) Respecting Diversity program to develop self- elementary school students. International Journal of awareness, self-respect and respect for others in the Special Education, 26(2), 26-38. Available from: classroom. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289293622
Summarize the method in your own words. Draw a figurative representation
This study relied on 218 students ranging from Grades four to seven from suburban public schools in British Columbia. The students involved attended regular education classrooms that had support services to facilitate inclusion. Students involved in the study represented diversity, including students who were learning English as a second language as well as students with varying cognitive disabilities. The study involved the intervention group who was receiving the program as well as a control group, with no intervention. Both pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments were done with individual children twice over a span of three months. List the outcomes in point form, underlining five key Write two questions you have about the research. words. 1. How would a school-wide implementation of the With the growing of diversity in classrooms today, it is Respecting Diversity affect the overall academic important that teachers develop an inclusive learning achievement of students? environment that allows every student to feel valued and respected. Implementing the Respecting Diversity program 2. With recent increase in struggles with mental helped: health in students, what affects would the increase self-respect implementation of social and emotional learning increase respect for others programs, like Respecting Diversity, have? appreciation and acceptance of diversity develop inclusive learning communities students have meaningful discussions about themselves and others
Implications for change project
This study was used to examine the effects the Respecting Diversity program has on social and emotional learning, including students’ self-awareness, self-respect and respect for others. It is evident that classrooms everywhere are growing with diversity and thus the need for teachers to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of every student in the class. It is also important that students feel valued and a sense of belonging within the classroom community amongst their peers. Teachers, therefore, need to provide opportunities for their students to have success, appreciate diversity while being supported in their own, individual learning needs. The implementation of the Respecting Diversity (Katz, 2012) program allows teachers to meet the variety of diverse learning needs present in today’s classrooms. This study provides support for using social and emotional learning interventions, such as Respecting Diversity, to create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels respected, accepted and valued. This study provides positive support for the use of Respecting Diversity as my implementation plan.