Research Article Analysis #1

Article reference: Purpose of the study:

Katz, J. & Porath, M. (2011). Teaching to diversity:
Creating compassionate learning communities for diverse
elementary school students. International Journal of
Special Education, 26(2), 26-38. Available from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289293622
This study was set out to examine the implementation of
Katz’s (2012) Respecting Diversity program to develop self-
awareness, self-respect and respect for others in the
classroom.

Summarize the method in your own words. Draw a figurative representation

This study relied on 218 students ranging from Grades four
to seven from suburban public schools in British
Columbia. The students involved attended regular
education classrooms that had support services to facilitate
inclusion. Students involved in the study represented
diversity, including students who were learning English as
a second language as well as students with varying
cognitive disabilities. The study involved the intervention
group who was receiving the program as well as a control
group, with no intervention. Both pre-intervention and
post-intervention assessments were done with individual
children twice over a span of three months.
List the outcomes in point form, underlining five key Write two questions you have about the research.
words.
1. How would a school-wide implementation of the
With the growing of diversity in classrooms today, it is Respecting Diversity affect the overall academic
important that teachers develop an inclusive learning achievement of students?
environment that allows every student to feel valued and
respected. Implementing the Respecting Diversity program 2. With recent increase in struggles with mental
helped: health in students, what affects would the
 increase self-respect implementation of social and emotional learning
 increase respect for others programs, like Respecting Diversity, have?
 appreciation and acceptance of diversity
 develop inclusive learning communities
 students have meaningful discussions about
themselves and others

Implications for change project

This study was used to examine the effects the Respecting Diversity program has on social and emotional learning,
including students’ self-awareness, self-respect and respect for others. It is evident that classrooms everywhere are
growing with diversity and thus the need for teachers to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of every student in the
class. It is also important that students feel valued and a sense of belonging within the classroom community amongst
their peers. Teachers, therefore, need to provide opportunities for their students to have success, appreciate diversity while
being supported in their own, individual learning needs. The implementation of the Respecting Diversity (Katz, 2012)
program allows teachers to meet the variety of diverse learning needs present in today’s classrooms. This study provides
support for using social and emotional learning interventions, such as Respecting Diversity, to create an inclusive learning
environment where every student feels respected, accepted and valued. This study provides positive support for the use of
Respecting Diversity as my implementation plan.