Why diversity awareness is important for teachers

152.2.1 : Culture and Diversity
The graduate analyzes the interrelationship of culture and diversity and their role in the ever-changing contemporary cultural landscape.
152.2.5 : Communicating in a Global Environment
The graduate evaluates various communication practices for their effectiveness and appropriateness in a global environment.
152.2.6 : Diversity in Collaborative Environments
The graduate evaluates the benefits, strengths, and challenges of diversity in collaborative environments.
152.2.7 : Culturally Responsive Practices
The graduate analyzes culturally responsive practices that support diversity in a variety of settings.
INTRODUCTION
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The United States has become increasingly diverse. The unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of students can enrich the learning environment if those differences do not become barriers. As an educator, it is imperative that you become knowledgeable about aspects of culture and diversity, and develop competence in creating an equitable learning environment for all students.

In this task you will write an essay (suggested length of 2–5 pages) in which you explain the importance of diversity consciousness for educators.

REQUIREMENTS
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Your submission must be your original work. No more than a combined total of 30% of the submission and no more than a 10% match to any one individual source can be directly quoted or closely paraphrased from sources, even if cited correctly. An originality report is provided when you submit your task that can be used as a guide.

You must use the rubric to direct the creation of your submission because it provides detailed criteria that will be used to evaluate your work. Each requirement below may be evaluated by more than one rubric aspect. The rubric aspect titles may contain hyperlinks to relevant portions of the course.

A. Describe two distinct diverse groups within the U.S. student population.
1. To help an educator gain knowledge of each diversity group, cite source information to support your description in part A.
2. Describe a challenge related to the diversity background that each identified group may experience in a school setting (i.e., one challenge for each group in part A).
3. Describe an instructional strategy by which educators can support the educational achievement of students from each of the identified groups (i.e., one strategy for each group in part A).
a. Cite source information that supports the instructional strategies described in part A3.

B. Explain why it is important for educators to develop approaches that are responsive to the diversity background of all students.

C. Acknowledge sources, using in-text citations and references, for content that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.