Activity: Double-Check Self-Assessment

Now that you have completed the activity, read on to discover which of your attitudes and practices reflect cultural responsiveness and which need additional effort or attention. These items are organized by the five components of cultural responsiveness.

Congratulations! Your responses on the items below suggest culturally responsive behavior.

· Reflective Thinking About the Children and Their “Group Membership”

. I reflect on how my actions contribute to chains of behavior.

. I have positive and constructive views of difference.

· Efforts Made To Develop an Authentic Relationship

. I display tangible evidence of warmth, care and trust.

. I encourage positive interactions.

. I provide positive adult attention.

. I display a professional and personal orientation toward students.

· Effective Communication

. I consistently communicate high expectations.

. I display professionalism, civility, and respect in all my communications.

. I communicate with care and persistence of effort.

. I communicate with credibility, dependability, and assertiveness.

. I communicate without judging others.

· Connection to Curriculum

. My instruction contains exemplars from the backgrounds of my students.

. I use learning activities reflective of the background of my students, their families, and the community.

. I understand and apply the concept of teacher and student vs. the content.

· Sensitivity to Student’s Cultural and Situational Messages

. I am aware of the students’ needs to address multiple constituencies.

. I emphasize resiliency, choice, and internal locus of control.

. I recognize students’ social and political consciousness.

Your responses on the items below suggest a need for  additional practice.

· Reflective Thinking About the Children and Their “Group Membership”

. I understand culture and why it is so important.

. I am aware of other groups and how histories and present circumstances contribute to my behavior interacting with others.

. I make tangible efforts (reading, home visits, interviews, student inventories) to “reach out” and understand differences.

· Efforts Made To Develop an Authentic Relationship

. I recognize special talents.

. I take genuine interest in the activities and personal lives of others.

· Connection to Curriculum

. I highlight cultural differences positively during instruction.

. I consider cognitive style differences.

· Sensitivity to Student’s Cultural and Situational Messages

. I am aware of how situations influence behavior (e.g., health, poverty, dress, neighborhood expectations).