University of Michigan - Flint

Faculty Name:  Dana D Dyson

Department:  MPA Program

Campus Address:  220 French Hall

Email:  dysond@umflint.edu

Phone:  8102376560

Project Description:  In 1968, in response to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Ms. Elliott developed the "Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes" exercise to educate her third grade students on the realities of prejudice and bigotry. Since then, Elliott has performed the controversial exercise in all parts of the world. She is the recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education and her work is commemorated in the documentary film produced by PBS/Frontline entitled, A Class Divided! [1985]. To what extent does diversity training have an impact the attitudes of administrators, teachers and staff in K-12 educational settings? I will use an experimental research design to determine the impact of the training on the treatment group. I hypothesize that the diversity training will result in a measurable change in participant's attitude toward race and privilege. Data will be collected from both the treatment group and the control group via a survey. I will conduct an independent sample of difference of means test, using a t-test. That is, I will compare the mean values of the dependent variables before the treatment (diversity training) and after the treatment. A alpha level of .05 will be used. The unit of analysis is the individual participant. A 10% change in attitude toward race and privilege among administrators, teachers and staff in K-12 education will be a substantively important program. I will retest the participants at three month intervals after their having received the treatment (twice after receiving the diversity training).

Semesters Desired:  Fall 2009; Winter 2010

GSRA Position Description:  The primary responsiblity of the GSRA is to assist the PI through the study, e.g, contacting participants, assisting in administering the survey, creating and maintaining the project database. He/She would assist with developing the survey tool and data collection instruments. The GSRA will meet with the PI and other collaborators weekly. In addition, the GSRA would assist in other duties relevant to the successful implementation and reporting of the study results.

Specific Day/Time Requirements:  Flexible

Special Requirements:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access helpful, but not required.
• Self-Starter
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Well-organized
• Statistical background preferred with experience in SPSS or STATA
• Flexible
• Open to Learning new environments and methodologies.

Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply:  Computer Science and Information Systems (MS); Education (MA); Liberal Studies (MLS); Public Administration (MPA); Social Sciences (MA)