Dear Teacher and Educator:

I am a graduate student at the University of Redlands, and I am appealing to you for help in obtaining research information for my Masters Degree.

Preliminary research shows that educational institutions and educators are currently faced with challenges of promoting inclusion and cultural awareness to students of all ages, and that implications of cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion constitute one of the most critical issues facing the United States today. 

Additionally, recently the U.S. Secret Service reported that two-thirds of the 41 students involved in

school shootings since 1974 said they had been victims of bullying and harassment, which ultimately led them to seek to revenge.  And, according to the California Teachers Association, studies conducted to assist teachers show that increasing numbers of students – one in four – are being persecuted by their schoolmates on the basis of ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation. 

Clearly efforts to promote inclusion, cultural awareness and bridging cultures are warranted and essential to implement. 

A survey regarding cultural awareness educational curriculum and materials currently used by teachers has been developed and, as a teacher, I need your help.  The attached survey has ten simple questions to assist in my research.  Your responses will remain anonymous and confidential.

If you have any questions, or if you would like a copy of the survey results summary, please contact me at 909-316-8142 or afarah@bridgingcultures.org.

Sincerely,

Afarah Board

University of Redlands

MBA Candidate