Different Perspectives

Visit these resources and compare your understanding of an American to these perspectives.

VISUAL/AUDITORY (video):  ADL Public Service Announcements
LINGUISTIC (text): Read What is an American? Discuss. from the Harvard Gazette
KINESTHETIC (interactive quiz): United States Immigration Citizenship Test Questions

In Module 1, we discussed the need to support diversity in schools and how that affects your interactions with students. Similarly, your personal view towards who qualifies as an American will impact how you interact with your students. Maslow's hierarchy reminds us of how important creating a sense of community and belonging is to the success of students. Do you view some students to be "real" Americans and others to be visitors? How long must someone live in the United States to make them a "real" American? Do all the students that walk in your doors feel like they belong in that classroom? In the curriculum? In this country?

Although people hold different perspectives on defining America, most people will agree on this point: the United States is a diverse place. Your level of preparation to work in such a diverse place will impact your ability to be successful with your students. Did you pack the right tools to be successful on this trip towards cultural competence? What else do you need?

Does your personal philosophy of education include the awareness, knowledge, and skills to work with the students that are currently present in your classroom? Do you have the necessary information to address all of their needs in a way to move towards student success and close the achievement gap? Investigating the answers to these questions is cultural competence.