ERIC Number: EJ1056441
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2158-592X
EISSN: N/A
Preparing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Special Educators: It "Does" Take a Village
Robertson, Phyllis M.; García, Shernaz B.; McFarland, Laura A.; Rieth, Herbert J.
Interdisciplinary Journal of Teaching and Learning, v2 n3 p115-130 Fall 2012
The preparation of culturally and linguistically responsive special educators requires planning, substantive collaboration, and valuing the perspectives of underrepresented groups. This article describes restructuring efforts of one special education preparation program that included coursework and field-based experiences designed to enhance candidates' understanding of the complex, dynamic interrelationships among culture, language, and disability as the basis for culturally and linguistically responsive practice. Major activities included identifying key competencies, aligning those competencies with specific coursework and activities, and working with faculty in general education to design opportunities for candidates in both programs to develop collaborative skills. Results of ongoing program evaluation indicate that efforts were successful based on positive responses from participating candidates, cooperating teachers who host them, and the principals who subsequently hire them. Successes, challenges, and future directions are discussed within the context of program design and delivery.
Descriptors: Special Education Teachers, Teacher Collaboration, Program Evaluation, Cooperating Teachers, Program Design, Cultural Differences, Cultural Awareness, Correlation, Disabilities, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Teacher Competencies, Bilingualism, College Faculty, State Standards, Course Descriptions, Teacher Education Programs, Program Descriptions, Assignments, Learning Activities, Student Teaching, Formative Evaluation, Summative Evaluation, Principals, Teacher Attitudes, Administrator Attitudes, Feedback (Response)
Southern University and A & M College. College of Education, Arts and Humanities, PO Box 9983, Baton Rouge, LA 70813. Tel: 225-771-2291; Fax: 225-771-2292; e-mail: coeijtl@subr.edu; Web site: http://www.subr.edu/index.cfm/subhome/36
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A