Rationale

Context: In the fall of 2007, I created this culture report along with two other cohort members Ka Vang and Amanda Cox. This was completed under the advisement and guidance of Dr. James A. Bryant for Learner Diversity CI 3850.

Impact: Diversity is the point that we are all different from each other.  This report focuses not only on the Hmong people and their culture but also helps others to understand their point of view and reference where they may be coming from. This culture report focuses on their differences while celebrating the richness of the culture that is so important to many of our students.  Because this culture is so new to main stream America, it is imperative that we begin to learn what we can about this amazing group of survivors who are going to be our future students. This report analyzes, uses statistics, addresses stereotypes, and offers suggestions for children's literature to help teachers understand this culture and their students.

Standard 14: Elementary teachers develop strategies to address topics that are controversial to diverse groups.

Indicator 1: Teachers understand and respect that families and communities may have diverse attitudes about the educational process.

Indicator 2: Teachers promote the open-minded discussion of controversial issues by developing and using various strategies such as debates, use of data gathering and analysis for informed decision making, and recognition of bias and propaganda.

Indicator 4: Teachers explore multiple viewpoints and respect values consistent with a democratic community by recognizing and valuing the family roles in educating children of diversity.

Indicator 5: Teachers discourage prejudice, derogatory comments and stereotypical perspectives by modeling and selecting bias free instructional materials.

Standard 14 indicators 1, 2, 4, and 5 are met because of the nature of this assignment. This assignment enlightens teachers to the growing population of Hmong students in our area and the need for teachers to be informed about this culture.  This report addresses the diverse attitudes this culture has about education. The thoughts and ideas of the Hmong are diverse in common bible belt communities and this report helps teachers to have a starting point in which to communicate and understand this group of people. This report recognizes the Hmong parents' role in their childrens' education. It also gives teachers a literature selection free of bias against students of this culture.