The Importance Of Cultural Diversity In The Educational Environment Scale (ICDEE): Development And Testing

Abstract

College campuses are part of a dynamic and culturally diverse marketplace. As that diversity continues to grow and become an increasingly important component of students= educational environment, university officials need to further their understanding of the students= perspective of cultural diversity on campus. The primary objective in this study was the development and empirical testing of a multi-item paper-and-pencil scale called the Importance of Cultural Diversity in the Educational Environment Scale (ICDEE). Findings showed that the ICDEE demonstrated adequate internal reliability. Implications of the results and administrative applications of the scale in assessment efforts are discussed and avenues for future research are presented.

Let us not be blind to our differences B but let us also direct attention to our common interests and the means by which those differences can be resolved. And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity B John F. Kennedy, 1963