Becoming Equitable Educators: Practicality in Measuring Teacher Dispositions

• In Event: Preparing Culturally Responsive Teachers: Moving Toward Social Justice

Abstract

Animating equity in teaching and learning depends on teacher dispositions—orientations to self, others, and society that underlie thought and action. Though interest in “measuring to improve” has grown recently, most measures of teachers or teaching either lack validity evidence or are not practically useful. We find through a mixed-methods analysis of interviews with expert equitable educators and surveys of teacher candidates that addressing practicality (recognizability, relevance, feasibility) enhances the item-to-factor structure of a self-report measure of three equity dispositions: social awareness, meekness, and advocacy for students. In other words, addressing face validity of measured dispositions enhances construct validity. We discuss implications to prepare and support teachers to become equitable educators using practical measures for continuous improvement.

Authors

• Bryant Jensen, Brigham Young University
  Presenting Author

• Erin Feinauer Whiting, Brigham Young University
  Presenting Author

• Xiaohang Zhang, Brigham Young University
  Presenting Author

• Jimmy Hernandez, Brigham Young University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Diego Pliego, Salt Lake Community College
  Non-Presenting Author

• Richard R. Sudweeks, Brigham Young University
  Non-Presenting Author