Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
Spring 5-4-2025
Abstract
Deficit thinking is when we view another as having less potential based on preconceived notions defined by our backgrounds and, oftentimes, society. A predominantly White teaching force is encountering more cultural and ethnic diversity in their classrooms than ever before. Professional development for teachers is historically beneficial and promotes change in teaching and pedagogy. This study utilized a mixed-methods methodology that examined the effects of professional development on teachers’ knowledge and skills as they pertained to culturally responsive teaching. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to test the study's questions. This study surveyed teachers before and after a professional development intervention on culturally responsive teaching and teacher expectations of culturally and ethnically diverse students. In addition, classroom observation data and a voluntary sample of teachers participated in interviews to help explain the data collected from the surveys (Kemmis & McTaggart, 2005). The professional development intervention was extended over 5 months. The findings indicated that professional development impacted teachers’ perceptions of culturally and ethnically diverse students and the strategies they would use in their classrooms to be inclusive of all students. Teachers' perceptions of culturally diverse students underwent notable changes following their participation in the professional development program. Additionally, there was clear evidence that participants began implementing culturally responsive teaching strategies in their classrooms after completing the training. This suggests that the professional development had a positive impact on both teachers' attitudes and their teaching practices.
Recommended Citation
McMillan, Stephanie Kirk, "Impact of Professional Development on Teacher Perceptions of Culturally and Ethnically Diverse Students" (2025). Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.) Dissertations. 8.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/curriculumedd/8
