School structures, processes and cultures significantly affect teaching and learning in all schools and this is particularly true in racially and ethnically diverse schools.
Use the TDSi School Survey tool to assess whether conditions in your school support teaching that addresses the needs of all students in racially and ethnically diverse classrooms and ensure that all students have needed opportunities to learn. The survey’s purpose is not to grade or judge schools, but to generate inquiry, discussion and actions that can lead to conditions that support continuous improvement in student learning.
To learn more about how the survey instrument was developed and read about other inventories of organizational characteristics, see this collection of related resources.
Group leaders can use the facilitator's guide to enhance participant understanding and promote school improvement.
Step 1 The first step is to take the survey, which has four parts. You may complete one or more parts of the survey at a time. Although individuals can use the survey to assess school conditions, since change requires collaboration and shared understanding, it may be most productive to conduct the survey by teams.
• Shared Beliefs and Commitments
• Professional Expertise
• Actions of School Leaders
• School Policies and Processes
After submitting one or more parts of the survey, you can print out and examine the responses. In Step Two, work with your team to analyze and address areas of concern.
Step 2 The resources here shed light on how particular school conditions influence the teaching of racially and ethnically diverse students.
• Closer Look: Shared Beliefs and Commitments
• Closer Look: Professional Expertise
• Closer Look: Actions of School Leaders
• Closer Look: School Policies and Processes
