Cultural Diversity

Knowledge and competencies related to American school culture

Staff members who work with students from other cultures need to be cognizant that American culture, especially in our schools, can be very different from a school in another country.

Pacer Center - Getting Off to a Good Start: Positive interactions with diverse families

The adage, “You never have a second chance to make a first impression,” applies to school professionals who want to establish good relationships with the families they serve. For a parent from a diverse community, the typical challenges are often compounded by differences in language, culture, and traditions. The first contacts provide the opportunity for the family to view the school experience as positive and responsive. The following tips are designed to help you create and maintain effective partnerships with families, leading to increased parent involvement, and ultimately better outcomes for children.

20 Surprising Cultural Differences in Schools Around the World

This article was written by Karen Kane and shared on weareteachers.com. In it, she discusses some of the cultural differences from schools around the world.

Being Mindful of Cultural Differences

This article was written by Rusul Alrubail and shared on edutopia.org. In it, he provides a short list of cultural differences that educators should be aware of in their classroom.

Culturally Responsive Instruction

This article shows teachers how to bring rich cultural content into their teaching in a way that expands students' knowledge, interest, and respect for the group being featured. The article offers suggestions that teachers can use throughout the school year, as well as when observing cultural and religious holidays and celebrations. (originally written for the American Federation of Teachers)

PHP-c131.pdf

Understanding American school facilities and their functions

Lockers
Drinking fountains
Cafeteria
Library
Gymnasium
Student services (nurse, counselor, bus driver, etc.)

Understanding American school policies and procedures

Class schedules
Report cards
Grades
Dress code
Code of conduct
Tornado, fire, and lock down drills
Clothing and equipment for physical education classes
Variety and purposes of tests
Test-taking techniques and technology features on online assessments
Rules relating to plagiarism and cheating

Understanding of expressions of respect

How to take turns appropriately
How to interrupt appropriately
Respect for others' possessions
Appropriate time for silence
How to get a teacher's attention in class
Appropriate ways to demonstration appreciation and respect
Norms of personal space

Understanding of expected classroom behavior

Use eye contact during oral communication with others
Make an effort to actively participate in class discussions
Raise one's hand to speak
Ask and answer questions appropriately
Follow seating arrangements
Follow the teachers directions and ask for clarification when needed
Use materials appropriately and follow clean-up procedures
Ask permission to leave the classroom
Follow procedures for lining up

Understanding of expected out-of-classroom behaviors

Follow hallway rules
Follow cafeteria procedures for lining up, ordering food, eating etiquette, cleaning up
Use the restroom appropriately
Follow the bell schedule
Follow procedures for tardiness and absence
Follow rules for taking the bus
Demonstrate appropriate playground behavior

Basic academic knowledge for effective communication

In addition to making sure that EL students have the cultural and social knowledge required for achieving English proficiency, teachers also need to make sure they have the basic background knowledge needed to achieve English proficiency in American academic settings. For example, students who are new to American schools may need help gaining an understanding of the following:

U.S. systems of measurement (time, money, distance, weight)
American holidays and their customs
Famous American historical and literary figures
Grade-appropriate knowledge of American icons, poems, and other literature
U.S. history
Local, state, and national systems of government and geography
American wildlife and vegetation

Additional Resources

https://ethnomed.org/

EthnoMed is a place to find "information about cultural beliefs, medical issues, and other topics related to the health care of immigrants to the US, many of whom are refugees." Click on "Cultures" at the top of the page to find information about several cultures, many of whom we have here in Fairfield.

Calendar of Religious Holy Days & Observances

This multi-faith calendar includes religious holy days and observances for 2024. Calendar entries include Baháʼí, Buddhist, Christian/Catholic, Eastern Orthodox/Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Persian and Sikh faiths.

Questions about specific cultures in Fairfield?

Nepali: About 560 students have Nepali as a native and/or home language and about 190 students were born in Nepal

Nepali-Speaking Bhutanese - Ethnomed

Nepalese Culture - Cultural Atlas

Hispanic: About 1450 students have Spanish as a native or home language and about 525 students were born in Hispanic countries.

Guatemala Facts and Culture - countryreports.org

Central American Immigrants in the U.S. - Migration Policy Institute

Mexican Cultural Profile - Ethnomed

African: About 500 students have French or an African dialect as a native and/or home language and about 375 students were born on the continent of Africa.

Democratic Republic of the Congo-Overview-The World Bank

About Ghana - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration

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