Abstract:
Attitude and knowledge levels of physical education teachers about working with Mexican American students and families were measured using Doyle and Chng's (1994) Mexican American Attitude and Knowledge Scale (MAAKS). Multicultural training, adapted physical education training, and other relative experiences that might affect attitude and knowledge levels were analyzed.
Participants in the survey were 91 physical educators in attendance at the Northwest
Conference on Children's Physical Education.
Physical educators were found to have positive attitudes and moderately high knowledge levels regarding Mexican American culture. A one-way ANOVA revealed a significant main effect for Spanish language skills on attitude scores. Teachers who indicated having the ability to speak Spanish at a level that enabled them to communicate effectively with Spanish speaking students and families were found to have significantly more accepting attitudes toward Mexican American culture than those who lacked this skill. These findings indicate that physical educators have a good foundation of knowledge and beliefs with regard to working with Mexican Americans. Functional Spanish language skills appear to be a critical first step in preparing physical educators to work positively and effectively with Mexican American students and families.
