FeedsDistrict diversity is important, according to school survey
Staff Writer
Nearly 80 percent of Northville parents agree that cultural diversity awareness is an important component of a successful learning experience, according to a survey conducted by Northville Public Schools.
In December, 8,200 district parents were surveyed regarding the role they felt diversity awareness played in the public school system. Nearly 1,600 parents responded to the survey, with 77 percent of them stating that diversity awareness is a critical component of a successful learning environment.
Lynne Mossoian, director of special services for Northville Public Schools, said that the survey was a good starting point for determining public awareness about diversity.
“We have many types of diversity in our community- cultural diversity, learning diversity, economic diversity,” Mossoian said.
“The goal of this survey is to gauge awareness and understanding of diversity, and to look at how as a school district we can partner with parents in providing supportive school communities for students.”
The surveys, which were formatted as statements which parents were asked to rate on a 1-5 scale, were designed to gauge how strongly parents either agreed or disagreed with a particular issue. Spaces were also provided for parents to write in comments.
According to survey results, 81 percent of respondents said they were aware of range of cultural diversity in their child’s school, with 80 percent believing that increasing cultural awareness was a student and family responsibility. 66 percent said that encouraging cultural diversity awareness is an important issue when considering their students’ education, and 64 percent felt that diversity awareness and competency was a critical component in Northville schools.
Sixty percent of parents polled held their school administrators directly responsible for the level of cultural awareness in their children’s schools.
Ridge Wood Elementary School Principal Nancy Raynes said that an environment of cultural awareness works best as a parent-teacher partnership.
“As school principals, teachers, students and families, it is our responsibility to recognize and value the diversity in our schools and to ensure that every member of our school community feels safe and respected for who they are,” Raynes said.
Northville Superintendent of Schools Leonard Rezmierski said that the survey would be an important tool, and would help teachers and administrators determine the best way to increase cultural awareness in this global community.
“Our thanks to those who took the time to respond to this important survey,” Rezmierski said. “Working together, school leaders and families, we can ensure that Northville students are well prepared to live and succeed in today’s global community.”
