District 102 values diverse learning community, parents to share native culture with teachers
During District 102's April 15 Cultural Awareness Institute Day, 140 teachers learned about the culturally responsive classroom from Dr. Marla Israel, Associate Professor at Loyola University. In addition, District 102 parents, natives of Russia, Peru, Korea, India, and China, shared what it is like to grow up in their country. They shared their history, view of education, rules, special customs and gestures, and interpersonal norms such as personal space, dress, and respect.
D102's students and teachers are immersed in a learning environment rich with diversity. April 15th was a opportunity to build upon our knowledge and understanding of other cultures, an awareness used to engage and personalize student learning. More than half of our students speak a language other than English in their home. These students make up 65% of the district's 2,200 student population where 55 different languages are spoken.