Who are stakeholders? What do they think about culturally-sensitive environment?

1. General introduction of my school.

       I have been teaching at a public high school in southern California. According to its 2019-2020 School Accountability Report Card (SARC), out of 1,635 students, 95.2% are Hispanic or Latino, 3.9% African Americans, 0.4% White, 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 0.1% Asian. 93.2% are Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, 17.5% English Learners, 11.9% Students with Disabilities, 4% homeless, and 0.7% Foster Youth. One of the real situations in my school environment is that it would be better if students are exposed to more cultures. There are various reasons for this situation, such as the dominant Hispanic or Latino culture, disadvantaged socioeconomic condition, family issues, and the pandemic. My hypothesis is through communication with stakeholders, we can jointly increase students’ cultural awareness.      

2. Who are stakeholders?

The clientele and stakeholders are the ones who invest in the success of students of my school, including administrators, teachers, parents, school district, community members, church, and business. Stakeholders work closely for students, for example we jointly develop school-wide approaches involving all staff to improve attendance due to large numbers and truancies impacting the learning process.  

3. What does culturally-diverse environment mean to stakeholders?

       I interviewed stakeholders regarding their perception of the culturally-sensitive environment. Their feedback makes me realize we need to work together to motivate students and promote a successful culturally-diverse school climate. It is interesting to find the similarities and differences of the perception of a culturally-sensitive environment from different stakeholders. As the below chart shows, the assistant superintendent, principal, director of human resources, instructional coach, psychologist, teacher, student, and parents/guardians all think the culturally-sensitive environment should be inclusive to all people from diverse backgrounds. However, a teacher argued that sensitivity to the diverse culture can be a “two-edged sword”. I discussed it with her and found she thinks sometimes people are too sensitive to other people’s opinions and that can cause many unnecessary troubles. I agree with her that a balanced cultural sensitivity with mutual respect is helpful for the learning and working environment. I also noticed that parents/guardians would like to list the detailed case such as they hope the school will require students to wear uniforms, inform them about children’s attendance daily, and hold workshops for parents. It is essential for me to hear their voice and see the detailed needs. I will share it with my principal to find ways of offering them with needed support. 

	Stakeholders	The perception of a culturally-sensitive environment
1	Assistant superintendent	The culturally-sensitive environment values and promotes diversity and cultures.
2	Principal	The culturally-sensitive environment should be inclusive and equitable to all students from different races, ethnicities, gender identification, sexuality, etc. Differences should not be ignored.
3	Director of Human Resources	The culturally-sensitive environment is inclusive to everyone who are from different races, genders, and backgrounds.  It is a safe learning environment for both students and teachers.  Cultural sensitivity is being able to meet the needs of all the diverse students in a school socially, academically and emotionally. It provides an environment where everyone can successfully achieve their best.
4	Instructional coach	Holidays and celebrations could be starting points to recognize cultural diversity.
5	Clinical psychologist	The culturally-sensitive environment provides an equal opportunity for all students to succeed regardless of their faith, beliefs, background, upbringing, language, gender, or unique learning styles or needs.
6	Teachers	A culturally sensitive environment exists in any country. But it is more prominent in the diversified United States. This is a double-edged sword. Diversity gives us the chance to learn about multiple cultures. The culturally sensitive environment is good for us to be asked to stay sensitive at all times to offer the equal and diversified opportunities for kids to study at the school, and people to work at the company. At the same time, the environment becomes more sensitive than usual. We must always pay attention and be careful not to touch the taboos of other cultures. We should show our respect to others, but in daily work, study, and life, a common trivial matter may be magnified into an abnormally serious event. Also it is necessary to distinguish which seemingly inadvertent pranks are actually caused by disrespect for this culture. It is the other edge of the sword.        The principal must be cautious in his/her words and deeds at all times, respecting all cultures, and avoiding huge culturally sensitive events that may be caused by a momentary negligence.
7	Student	The culturally-sensitive environment should be a diverse school site. I feel that schools should make posters and flyers on how the school is supporting different races.
8	Parents/Guardians	The culturally-sensitive environment should be aware of the existence of the cultural differences or similarities among each other. Teachers and students in this environment should be able to freely express their interest in the ethnic background. People should get to know others.        Having a healthy environment, with respect and tolerance for all cultures or traditions, is a harmonious lifestyle.        The school should have a workshop that shares the importance of diversity. Parents should talk with our children about the diversity of cultures and respect them so the students will also have that acceptance.        As a parent, it is very important that school requires students to wear uniform to avoid or decrease bullies on clothes and help students concentrate on study.

       I also interviewed the director of the human resources department, in my school district, about how to address school culture and the implementation of change in diverse learning environments. He states “Hiring individuals that understand the community they serve and providing professional development for all staff to promote culturally responsiveness and understanding implicit bias”. In addition, the human resources department works with principals in what they can require teachers teaching in a diverse learning environment. In order to improve the school, the change should start from the teachers in the classroom.

Resources: 

2019-2020 School Accountability Report Card (SARC).