Survey of Teacher Perceptions of Evidence-Based and Culturally Rich Instructional Practices

This anonymous survey is part of a teacher-led action research project at Thorndike Academy designed to explore how educators experience and implement evidence-based, multimodal instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners. "Multimodal" refers to designing lessons that engage students through multiple modes of meaning, such as language, images, data, movement, and digital media to deepen understanding. "Diverse learners" are students who vary by culture, language, ability, and lived experience, including English Learners (ELs), students with IEPs and 504s, and others whose needs are not met by standardized instruction.

The purpose of this study is to better understand how teachers interpret, apply, and are supported in using instructional practices that integrate multiple modes of engagement, representation, and expression. These may include inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, the use of digital tools, culturally relevant pedagogy, and other student-centered approaches.

Your participation will help identify what supports and constraints affect teachers’ ability to design lessons that are both cognitively rich and inclusive. Findings will be used to inform professional reflection and to improve the conditions that enable effective, equitable instruction for all students.

Participation is voluntary and confidential. Your honesty and insight are deeply valued. 

What is your primary role? General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, SECA (Special Education Classroom Assistant), Support Staff or Interventionist, Other: 

1. How many years have you worked in Chicago Public Schools? 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-10 years, More than 10 years 

2. What grade levels do you currently teach? (Select all that apply.) 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Noninstructional  

3. Have you received formal training or professional development in culturally responsive, inquiry-based, or multimodal instructional practices? Yes, No, Not sure, Other: 

Instructional Practice and Support 

Please rate how much you agree with each statement. If it does not apply, do not answer. (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree) 

1. I have sufficient professional autonomy to adapt instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners. Teacher autonomy is the professional capacity and right of teachers to make instructional decisions based on student needs, expertise, and ethical judgment rather than external mandates. 

2. I feel confident integrating multiple forms of engagement such as discussion, visual modeling, problem-solving, and technology into my teaching. 

3. Evidence-based strategies (e.g., cooperative learning, inquiry, modeling) improve student engagement and understanding in my classroom. 

4. Culturally relevant teaching enhances the effectiveness of evidence-based instructional practices. Culturally responsive teaching is that which draws on students’ cultural knowledge, experiences, and community perspectives as assets for learning. It affirms identity and challenges inequities. 

5. I receive adequate professional development and resources to support multimodal and inclusive instruction. 

Instructional Conditions and External Influences 

6. District- or school-mandated programs (e.g., ALEKS, PLTW, Verizon initiatives) support rather than limit my ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners. 

7. I have access to materials and technologies that allow me to design lessons using multiple modes of representation (text, images, data, video, etc.). 

8. Current pacing and testing requirements allow sufficient flexibility for inquiry-based and collaborative learning. 

9. Collaboration among teachers enhances our collective ability to implement multimodal, culturally relevant instruction. 

10. School policies and leadership actively encourage experimentation with innovative, student-centered teaching practices.   

Professional Climate and Reflection 

11. I feel supported by colleagues and administrators when I try new instructional approaches. 

12. My workload and teaching conditions allow time for reflection and lesson redesign based on student needs. 

13. Teachers have a meaningful voice in shaping curriculum and instructional priorities. 

14.  I believe multimodal, evidence-based teaching can help close opportunity gaps among students from different cultural and learning backgrounds.   

15.  Despite challenges, I remain optimistic about the potential of innovative, student-centered practices to improve learning outcomes.   

Open-Ended Questions 

1. What factors most support your ability to use multimodal or culturally responsive strategies with diverse learners?   

2. What factors most hinder or restrict your ability to do so?   

3. Describe one example of an instructional practice that successfully engaged your students through multiple modes or perspectives.   

4. What changes (in policy, support, or training) would help you strengthen these practices further? 

Invitation  

Please leave your email if you are interested in participating in an optional group discussion session to reflect on preliminary findings and co-create recommendations.