* "The difference I notice with the level of success between different ethnicities is that the Asian-American students seem more prepared for school and our classroom discussions. The two students I have in my class go to Chinese school outside of Highlands and receive a supplemental education that prepares them for skills taught in first grade. Because these students attend school outside the regular education setting, I notice their experiences are richer making them more successful when learning new concepts. These students have exposure to a wide variety of skills." [ER]

* "In our school we try to include all ethnic groups in projects throughout the year. We discuss and celebrate some of the cultures and beliefs." [SK]

* "It is a great learning opportunity because each culture has so much to offer and learn about. As a teacher, you need to make sure to teach something about each culture so all students feel important." [SRe]

* "Teach the kids to be respectful of individual differences." [FS]

* "I think that all ethnic backgrounds and cultures should be celebrated in classrooms." [MP]

* "I'd have to say we are our own culture -- sort of small town, Itasca, culture. Now and then some students will share bits and pieces of their cultures/ethnicities, and it is always well-received." [SL]

* "I have found that the group students choose for friends will impact their grades, and support from home. But I have had students who had difficult home situations and they did marvelous in school. At this age, no matter what a child's etnicity or cultural background, it is important for them to feel accepted by their peers. Understandably, social can be more important than grades. I have discovered that once students get to high school, grades become just as important as the social aspect of their lives. They are just trying to spread their wings and find a comfortable place for themselves. " [NK]

* "Having various cultures represented in the classroom can be a marvelous way to learn new ideas and information. The children can be an excellent resource." [DR]

* "I think that it's great that I have students from different cultures in my room. I think that I have the opportunity to learn as much from them as my other students do. Although, I feel very strongly that my students be looked at as individuals, rather than with a 'pre-determined' judgement against them. Who is to say that just because a child is hispanic, or african-american that they will not go as far as someone who is white?" [KP]

* "Treat all students equally, regardless of their background." [HH]

* "I would have to say that I believe the more children grow up with minorities in thier classrooms they will be willing to except more in life." [KW]

* "I think they play a big role in education today. It is very important for teachers these days to teach ethnicity in the classroom." [JKe]

* "Well just a side opinion, I think that students are much better off if they go to school with a diverse group, it opens them up to a lot more." [SRo]