The purpose of this study is to understand cultural diversity within our schools and explore professional development models that equip educators to support students from various backgrounds. The project was commissioned by the Policy and Planning Council in December of 2016. The study team was identified and began its work in the spring of 2017. The research questions and research plan were approved by the Policy and Planning Council in October 2017. It is expected that the final report for the study will be published in the fall of 2019.
There are three related research efforts occurring with this study. First, we are examining the changing demographics of the schools in the MERC region and the existing policies and professional development initiatives related to cultural diversity. Second, we are supporting a cohort of eight teachers from the member divisions as they conduct action research projects related to cultural diversity within their classrooms and schools. Finally, we are conducting a mixed method study of professional development practices. This component of the study will involve a survey of school-based professionals (i.e., teachers, instructional staff, administrators) about attitudes toward cultural diversity within schools, perceptions of barriers and opportunities, and perspectives on need for professional development. This survey will be followed up with evaluative case study of selected professional development programs.
It is expected that the findings from this study will be useful to regional schools in several ways. First, through the work we expect to develop a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by increased cultural diversity within schools. Through the mapping and survey component the study will also provide a need analysis for decision making about targeted professional development. We will also provide recommendations for best practice for professional development related to cultural diversity in schools. Depending on interest and additional support, there is also the possibility of using what is learned as the basis for the design and implementation of new professional development models.
Research Team
Julie Gorlewski – Co-Principal Investigator, Learning and Instruction, University at Buffalo
Hillary Parkhouse – Co-Principal Investigator, Department of Teaching and Learning, VCU
Jesse Senechal – Co-Principal Investigator, Department of Foundations of Education, MERC, VCU
David Naff – Co-Principal Investigator, Department of Foundations of Education, MERC, VCU
Fantasy Lozada – Assistant Professor Developmental Psychology, VCU
Zoey Lu – MERC Graduate Research Assistant, Curriculum Culture and Change, VCU
Ashlee Lester – Graduate Research Assistant, Educational Psychology, VCU
Krystal Thomas – Graduate Research Assistant, Developmental Psychology, VCU
Study Team
Amie Potter – Assistant Principal, Goochland Middle School, Goochland County Public Schools
Amy Thompson – Coordinator of Professional Development, Hanover County Public Schools
Brian Maltby - Disciplinary Hearing Review Officer, Hanover County Public Schools
Emily Garcia – School Counselor, Lee Davis High School, Hanover County Public Schools
Jennifer Rucker – Director of Equity and Student Support Services Chesterfield County Public Schools
Laura Faulcon – Assistant Principal, The Phoenix Center, Chesterfield County Public Schools
Lynn Clayton-Prince – Director of Exceptional Education, Powhatan Public Schools
Rachel Wilborn – Assistant Principal, Goochland High, Goochland County Public Schools
Travis Ridley – Principal, North Elementary, Colonial Heights Public Schools
Mike Massa – Principal, Powhatan High, Powhatan Public Schools
Phyllis Holliman - School Counseling Director, Henrico County Public Schools
Angela Stewart - Education Specialist, Henrico County Public Schools
Kimberly Jones - Coordinator of Professional Development Richmond Public Schools
Joshua Cole – Director, Office of Strategic Engagement VCU School of Education
Action Researchers
Brandi C. Walker – Lakeview Elementary School
Teacher (Grades 3-5) - Colonial Heights Public Schools
Reducing bullying and intercultural insensitivity through multicultural literature
Lillie M. Jones – Highland Springs High School Social Studies and SPED Teacher (Grades 9-12) - Henrico County Public Schools
Enhancing classroom climate and color consciousness through curricular inclusion of race and racism
Kimberly Bell – Salem Church Middle School Math Teacher (Grades 6-8) -Chesterfield County Public Schools
Increasing student achievement and engagement through the use of intercultural collaborative groups
Maria Negron – James River High School Spanish Teacher (Grades 9-12) - Chesterfield County Public Schools
Affirming cultural assets and promoting high self-expectations in a Spanish for Heritage Speakers class
Patricia Woodberry – Swansboro/Chimborazo Elementary School Gifted Education Teacher (Grades K-2) - Richmond Public Schools
Raising teacher awareness of the biases shaping the gifted education referral process and increasing the quality of gifted education referrals through talent development
Solitia Wilson – Henry Clay Elementary School SPED Teacher (Grades K-2) - Hanover County Public Schools
Addressing misconceptions about the abilities of young children with special needs among general education teachers
Cynthia Sinanian – Chickahominy Middle School Language Arts Teacher (Grades 6-8) - Hanover County Public Schools
Deepening students' sense of connection to the classroom through curricular inclusion of culturally diverse topics and authors
Debra Carper – Lakeview Elementary School Teacher (Grades PK-2) - Colonial Heights Public Schools
Reducing gaps in reading skills by developing teacher-family partnerships
